Police watchdog issues appeal for witnesses in fatal officer-involved shooting in Quesnel

An investigation was launched earlier this week by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. into an officer-involved fatal shooting in Quesnel and now investigators have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

RCMP officers were checking a vehicle parked in a lot at Carson Avenue and Kinchant Street in Quesnel, Aug. 31, when they found a man asleep inside.

When the officers approached, the man “reportedly reached for a firearm and shots were fired,” RCMP said.

READ MORE: B.C.'s police watchdog investigating fatal RCMP-involved shooting in Quesnel

The independent investigation office said in a media release there was an interaction between the individual and the officers.

The man in the vehicle was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The IIO is asking anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the IIO website here.

The Independent Investigations Office 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.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander or call 250-309-5343 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.