B.C.’s police watchdog launches investigation into 2019 arrest by Falkland RCMP

A B.C. police watchdog is now investigating a 2019 arrest in Falkland, where a man was injured during a police dog takedown.

The incident dates back to Dec. 3, 2019, when a vehicle was stopped on Highway 97 and two occupants were arrested on outstanding warrants, according to a release from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.

The male driver was arrested after a police dog takedown, and RCMP believed he had a "minor injury" as a result.

RCMP were advised on March 12, 2021 that his injuries were more serious than originally thought. Over a month later, police notified the independent watchdog on April 26.

The IIO has started their investigation to determine whether there was any wrongdoing by the RCMP during the arrest, according to the release issued June 10, 2021.

Both the Southeast District Emergency Response Team and a Police Dog Service arrived on the scene in Falkland.

The female passenger was arrested without incident.

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