(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
January 10, 2022 - 2:35 PM
B.C.'s police watchdog has cleared Kelowna RCMP officers of any wrongdoing after a man was found dead in a home earlier this year shortly after police visited the residence.
Police and Crisis Team members responded to two calls from a residence in the 3400-block of Sexsmith Road in Kelowna to speak to a man regarding his wellness, according to an Independent Investigations Office of B.C. media release.
READ MORE: B.C.'s police watchdog investigating RCMP actions in Kelowna homicide case
The man departed the residence after the second time police visited the residence on May 29, 2021. The following night, a different man who lived at the same home was found dead. The man police spoke with on May 29 has been charged with second degree murder in connection to the death.
Evidence gathered included statements from civilian witnesses, mental health professionals, and police officers.
The chief civilian director for the IIO has reviewed the evidence and determined that the grounds to arrest the man were not present and the actions of the police officers were "proportionate."
READ MORE: 2nd degree murder charge laid in Kelowna homicide
The independent investigation office has concluded its investigation.
Kelowna RCMP and B.C. Coroners Service investigations into the death continue.
Given the concurrent matter before the courts in this incident, the IIO said it will provide no further comment.
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in B.C. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
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