B.C. watchdog clears Vancouver Island RCMP officers in 2021 shooting

The Independent Investigations Office cleared two RCMP officers over a May 2021 shooting of a Tla-o-qui-aht woman, saying their use of force was legally justified; the public report was released after related court proceedings concluded.

B.C.'s Independent Investigations Office has published a report explaining why two RCMP officers were cleared after a 2021 officer-involved shooting near Ucluelet. The incident injured a Tla-o-qui-aht woman who was later found with a replica handgun, according to the report. The IIO announced its decision in February 2023 but withheld the public report until related court proceedings ended. The report focuses on the officers' actions while responding to 911 calls at the residence. Key facts: - The IIO concluded there were no reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed an offence and cleared the two officers involved. - The IIO said officers were responding to 911 calls and that they perceived a significant risk when the woman appeared to be holding what looked like a real firearm, which informed their decision to use lethal force. - The public report was released after related court proceedings concluded. Summary: The IIO's report explains the legal rationale behind clearing the officers and records its findings about the officers' perception of risk during the encounter. Undetermined at this time.