RCMP cleared of wrongdoing in death of Mackenzie man by IIO

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has concluded an investigation into the death of a man in Mackenzie.

On August 15th, 2023, RCMP officers, including the Emergency Response Team, were deployed to a rural area to follow up on a previous call involving a man in possession of a weapon, and uttering threats towards others.

Officers contained the area for several hours and during that time, attempted and spoke to the man on many occasions in an attempt to resolve the situation.

Mounties reported all attempts were unsuccessful.

It was also reported during one call, the affected person told police he was watching them through his rifle scope.

Police were considering entry into the home, and used two distraction devices prior to doing so.

According to police, about a minute later, at approximately 10:49 pm, a loud bang was heard during a call between a police negotiator and the affected person.

The affected person was later pronounced deceased at the scene, from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.

The IIO was notified the same day and commenced their investigation.

The IIO investigation determined no officers discharged their firearms, and an autopsy later confirmed the affected person’s injury was self inflicted.

The investigation also found no negligence on the part of police, and that officers’ actions were lawful and non unreasonable under the circumstances.