Advertisement

IIO investigating after woman seriously hurt during Vancouver arrest

An IIO investigator and RCMP officer are seen in this undated file photo. Global News

British Columbia’s civilian police watchdog is investigating after a woman suffered “serious injuries” while being arrested in Vancouver Sunday night.

The Independent Investigation Office (IIO) said the incident happened shortly before 11 p.m. near Seymour and Nelson streets.

According to the IIO, an off-duty Vancouver police officer stopped to investigate when he believed he saw the woman potentially committing property crime.

Click to play video: 'Watchdog opens door to charges against 3 RCMP officers in Wet’suwet’en man’s death'
Watchdog opens door to charges against 3 RCMP officers in Wet’suwet’en man’s death

“It is reported that an interaction occurred between the officer and woman when she was taken into custody,” the IIO said in a media release.

Story continues below advertisement

“The woman was transported to VPD cells for treatment by the jail nurse, then to a local hospital for further treatment where her injuries were confirmed to be serious.”

In an email, Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin said the woman was allegedly trying to break into a car, and that when the officer tried to arrest her he found her in possession of an “edged weapon.”

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Police are recommending charges, Visintin said.

The IIO’s mandate is to investigate all officer-related incidents that result in serious injury or death, regardless of whether there is any allegation of wrongdoing by police.

Sponsored content

AdChoices