Killing of Jared Lowndes

On July 8, 2021, Jared Lowndes, a 38-year-old member of the Wetʼsuwetʼen First Nation, was fatally shot by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers in Campbell River, British Columbia.

[5] The killing of Jared Lowndes took place on the morning of July 8, 2021, in Campbell River, British Columbia, a town located on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

[1][3] At around 9:00 am, a larger group of RCMP, who had been called for by dispatch, approached Lowndes' car again outside a Tim Hortons restaurant on the South Island Highway; they later stated that they were pursuing an outstanding warrant for him.

A standoff ensued, with one officer allegedly climbing on top of a police vehicle and “aiming their firearm down at Mr. Lowndes through the front windshield while continuing to yell commands,” the statement says.

As a result, and pursuant to Section 38.11 of the Police Act, the IIO is preparing a report to be submitted to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges in the coming months.

"[8][1][2] The IIO completed its report in October 2023 and forwarded its findings to the British Columbia Prosecution Service which will consider filing charges against the officers.

[16][17] The British Columbia Prosecution Service announced on April 23, 2024 that it has decided not to lay charges against three Mounties involved in the shooting death.

The service stated that the “available evidence” wouldn’t suffice to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that three Campbell River RCMP officers “committed any offence” related to the 38-year-old man’s death.

[2] Organizations such as the Pivot Legal Society and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association expressed their support for the IIO's decision as well.

[2] However, advocates also stated that they were losing faith in the IIO, which already had multiple investigations open about the Campbell River RCMP with few consequences and no apparent change in policing techniques.