The head of B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office has confirmed that the actions of the Abbotsford Police Department were justified in the incident in which Const. John Davidson was killed on Nov. 6.
The watchdog investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death to determine if there is a connection between the harm or death and the actions or inactions of police.
After reviewing all the evidence, chief civilian director Ron MacDonald said he has found that the police actions were justified and no officer committed an offence.
“We are issuing this statement to satisfy the public that the IIO has conducted a thorough, independent and timely review of this investigation,” MacDonald said.
The IIO will not be issuing its usual public report in this case, he added, until the matter is concluded through the courts.
Oscar Arfmann, 65, has been charged with the first-degree murder of Davidson. His next court date is Feb. 26, when a date for trial is expected to be set.
Davidson was gunned down when he responded to reports of shots being fired at a strip mall. He was pronounced dead soon afterwards in hospital.
The suspect fled the area and was arrested by police, who stopped his vehicle and shot at him. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
