The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO BC) has concluded that B.C. RCMP officers did not break the law in the arrest of a man whose leg was later discovered to be fractured.
According to a report released on Thursday, police were called to a Maple Ridge department store on May 12, 2023, after store employees identified a man they alleged had been stealing from the store repeatedly.
Upon confirming that the man had outstanding warrants for his arrest, the officers detained him as he attempted to exit the store through a fire exit with a cart full of stolen items. A struggle ensued, resulting in the man sustaining an injury to his left leg.
The report revealed that the man had a pre-existing leg injury, making him more susceptible to further harm. Despite the man informing the officers that his leg was injured and potentially broken, no immediate medical attention was provided.
While acknowledging that the officers were not medical professionals, the IIO emphasized that a basic examination of the man’s leg should have been conducted given his complaint of injury and existing vulnerability.
The report will be forwarded to the RCMP’s professional standards department for further review, but the IIO stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the officers unlawfully detained the man during the arrest.
The IIO pointed out that a civilian witness noted the man’s ability to stand normally after the arrest and video footage suggested instances where the man appeared to deliberately fall to the ground, indicating a possible form of resistance.
After careful consideration of all available information, the IIO has decided not to recommend charges against the involved officers.