Watchdog clears North Van RCMP officers in woman’s death

The provincial police watchdog has cleared North Van RCMP officers in death of a woman in Lions Bay.

In February this year, the woman was arrested and charged with domestic assault. She was later released and driven home by North Van RCMP police officers.

The officers later found out that the woman had allegedly made threats to commit suicide, after which the officer went to her home and spoke to her.

However, they concluded there were no grounds to arrest her under the Mental Health Act.

On the same evening, the woman’s vehicle was found entering a dead-end street in Lions Bay.

At around 7:15 am the next day, the vehicle was found burning and she was found dead on the ground a few feet from the vehicle.

The pathologist who examined the woman’s body said the death was due to the ‘inhalation of a production of combustion’.

The RCMP investigated the death and found no evidence of foul play.

Because of the involvement of the police, the Independent Investigations Office, the provincial police watch dog, started an investigation.

Six months later, the watchdog has cleared the officers of any wrongdoing.

“There is nothing in the evidence to suggest that AP (the victim) appeared to be suffering from mental disorder,” IIO said.

“The officers cannot be faulted for concluding that there was insufficient grounds to apprehend AP at the time they dealt with her.”

The matter will not be presented to crown counsel for consideration of charges.