Witnesses sought in police incident before suspect's death

Photo: Contributed

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is seeking witnesses to an incident that occurred near the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal on May 29.

The IIO is requesting that the driver and passenger of a newer-model Mazda CX-3 (or similar) who dropped off a male in his early 40s, wearing khaki pants, a hat, a black windbreaker, and carrying a backpack at the terminal between 11:06 and 11:10 p.m. contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477.

Additionally, the IIO would like to speak to any person who saw or interacted with the male described above at the ferry terminal between 11:10 and 11:30 p.m., and anyone who witnessed a police incident at Tsatsu Shores Drive between 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. who have not already spoken to investigators.

The investigation follows an incident in which a man allegedly stole a taxi from the ferry terminal. During an interaction with police shortly thereafter, the man sustained serious injuries. He was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.