IIO confirms man found dead after Langley police incident in November
Posted December 18, 2023 4:04 pm.
Last Updated December 18, 2023 4:05 pm.
B.C.’s police watchdog has confirmed that a man involved in a police incident in Langley in November was found dead.
On the morning of Nov. 10, the RCMP says officers were called out to do a wellness check on a man who was later found in a building near 0 Avenue, close to the U.S. border. The man, who was reported to have a weapon, barricaded himself in the building.
A fire then broke out and destroyed the building. Police at the time said the man did not appear to leave. They said they believed the man had died in the fire, but they were not able to confirm this at the time. The fire continued through the night, and crews were not able to enter the building until the blaze was contained.
Two police vehicles used for containment were heavily damaged in the fire, but no other injuries were reported.
The BC Coroners Service confirms that human remains found on the scene belong to the man.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is looking into the situation to determine if any police or action or inaction contributed to the incident. The organization steps in when there are any police-related incidents that involve death or serious harm, whether or not there is any indication of police wrongdoing.
The coroners service’s independent is also still investigating the death.
Anyone with any information about the incident or with video footage is being asked to call the Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477 or fill out the contact form on the IIOBC website.
With files from Pippa Norman.
