The Independent Investigations Office of BC is seeking additional witnesses to an officer-involved shooting in Port Hardy July 8. James Reginald Butters, also known as James Hayward, was shot after a confrontation with two Mounties at the intersection of Granville Street and Highway 19. Police said Butters had a knife, and witnesses heard officers repeatedly shouting “Drop the knife” before several shots were fired. Since that time, the investigation has been active. The IIO has designated one subject officer and interviewed the two witness officers, all members of the Port Hardy RCMP. A significant number of civilian witnesses were located and interviewed. Information obtained from both police and civilian witnesses is critical to IIO investigations and to the formulation of the timeline of events. There was physical evidence recovered — including a knife. These items have been forwarded for specialized forensic testing and analysis. IIO investigators are expected to return to Port Hardy soon to complete follow-up interviews. Anyone who believes they have information not previously reported to the IIO is asked to call the IIO Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477.

North Island Gazette