Watchdog investigating after mischief suspect ‘pinned between’ police vehicle, retaining wall during B.C. arrest

IIO investigators are seen in Vancouver, B.C., in a file image.

A mischief suspect was left seriously injured after being “pinned between” a police vehicle and a retaining wall during an arrest in Penticton, B.C., this week, according to the RCMP.

Authorities said the incident happened as Penticton RCMP were responding to a report of someone smashing windows near Lakeshore Drive and Winnipeg Street around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.

“Upon arrival, an interaction occurred between the responding officer and the suspect in which a Conducted Energy Weapon was deployed,” the B.C. RCMP said in a news release.

“The officer requested immediate assistance, additional officers responded, and the suspect was subsequently pinned between a police vehicle and a retaining wall.”

Authorities notified the Independent Investigations Office, which is tasked with reviewing all police-involved incidents that result in death or serious harm, regardless of whether there’s an allegation of wrongdoing against law enforcement.

In a separate news release, the watchdog described the incident as involving “contact between” a police vehicle and the suspect.

“The man suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to a hospital for assessment and treatment,” the IIO added.

The first responding officer also suffered undisclosed injuries and was treated at hospital and released Tuesday, according to the watchdog.

The IIO asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on what happened to call its witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form on its website.