Two Surrey officers won’t face charges after fatally shooting a high-risk offender at a halfway house, says B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office.
Officers Responded to High-Risk Situation
Two Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers will not face charges after fatally shooting a resident at a Surrey halfway house earlier this year. The decision was announced Thursday, Oct. 23, by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO), following a months-long investigation into the incident.
The officers had been called to the facility to arrest an “affected person” (AP) on a warrant, after the individual reportedly breached release conditions. The AP was known to have a history of self-harm and assaults on staff, marking them as a high-risk offender.
Entry Into the Halfway House Room
According to the IIO report, officers initially knocked and called for the AP to come outside, receiving no response. Staff at the facility then informed the officers that the room was unlocked, allowing them entry. Four officers entered: two “subject officers” involved in the shooting, and two “witness officers.” Two of the officers carried conducted energy weapons (CEWs).
Upon entering, one officer observed the AP standing by a bed with a large knife. Witness accounts indicated the AP declared, “I’m not going back to jail,” escalating the confrontation. Officers issued commands, but the AP reportedly advanced toward them in a confined space, holding the knife in a threatening manner.
Lethal Force Deployed
The IIO report detailed that the officers drew their firearms as the AP charged. One witness officer discharged a CEW, which was ineffective. Both subject officers fired their weapons, striking the AP, who fell to the floor while still holding the knife. Staff at the facility recalled hearing four gunshots as the individual moved toward the officers. The AP’s cause of death was listed as multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigation Finds Officers’ Actions Justified
After reviewing witness statements, physical evidence, and the circumstances, the IIO concluded that the officers acted lawfully. The report stated the officers were executing their duties under a valid warrant and faced an immediate threat from a large knife in a confined space.
Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund wrote that there were no reasonable grounds to believe any criminal offence occurred and that the matter would not be referred to Crown counsel for charges.
Impact on Surrey Police Service
The decision reinforces the legal protections for officers responding to high-risk situations involving violent or armed individuals. Surrey Police Service has stated it will continue to review its protocols to ensure both public safety and accountability in such critical incidents.
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