The B.C. Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is investigating a police involved shooting in Burnaby that resulted in the death of one woman.
According to a release from B.C. RCMP, the incident occurred on Jan. 13 at around 7:39 p.m.
Burnaby RCMP was responding to a report of a woman in distress at a home in the 4100 block of Oxford Street.
Officers arrived on scene and spoke to the complainant, who had left the home for their safety. After officers proceeded to the residence, they made contact with the woman, reportedly in possession of weapons.
“Very shortly after making contact with the woman, an interaction occurred in which shots were fired. Officers provided immediate medical assistance to the woman until paramedics could arrive; however, she was pronounced deceased at the scene despite the life-saving efforts,” RCMP said.
No one else was injured, and due to the IIO investigating, police will not be sharing any further information.
The IIO shared a press release relating to the incident, adding that the woman sustained multiple gunshot injuries. The IIO also said that the incident took place at a residence near the intersection of Oxford Street and Carleton Avenue.
Two factors are considered by the IIO at the start of each investigation, including whether there is an injury that meets the threshold of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act, or a death. The second is whether there’s a connection between the harm or death and the officer’s action or inaction.
“If both conditions are met, the investigation will continue to examine all available evidence to determine what occurred. At the conclusion of the investigation, the chief civilian director will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence may have occurred,” the IIO adds.
The IIO is also asking potential witnesses to come forward with information or video footage relating to the Burnaby shooting, and to contact the Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477. You can also contact the IIO via its website.