DAWSON CREEK, BC - More than two years after a man died following a police-involved incident in Dawson Creek, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has yet to release its findings, raising questions about delays and the impact on those involved.
The June 20, 2024 incident happened at the 7‑11 on 8th Street and 104 Avenue, where RCMP responded to reports of several men allegedly carrying firearms and bear spray.
Police say a man became combative during his arrest, went into medical distress while in custody, and required life‑saving measures before being taken to hospital.
That man, identified by sources as Michael Viczko was later transported to Edmonton and died days after the arrest.
The IIO was called in shortly after the incident, as required when police involvement results in serious harm or death. The agency is tasked with determining whether officers’ actions were necessary, reasonable, and proportionate.
However, more than two years later, there has been no public resolution.
CJDC TV News has reached out to the IIO, asking why the investigation has taken so long and whether the agency believes that delay is fair to both the victim’s family and the RCMP officers involved.
According to a source who spoke to CJDC TV News, Viczko’s injuries may not have been solely connected to the arrest. The source alleges Viczko was seriously assaulted and possibly drugged prior to any interaction with police and then went to the 7‑Eleven location shortly afterward.
Those claims have not been independently confirmed, but the source says the IIO was made aware of that information early in the investigation.
The ongoing delay is raising concerns about the stress placed on all parties. Families are left waiting for answers and closure, while officers involved remain under investigation for an extended period without a final determination.
In its request for comment, CJDC TV News specifically asked the IIO whether it believes the more than two-year timeline is reasonable, given the uncertainty and emotional strain caused by the delay.
The IIO said, it “is keenly aware of the emotional strain that affected persons, their families and involved officers may feel during the course of an IIO investigation.”
The police watchdog added that on occasion, there can be additional third-party reasons for delays, over which the IIO has no control, which can also add to the length of an investigation.
The IIO refused to provide a timeline for when its investigation will be complete. Two years after the incident, they said “all IIO investigations are carried out in as timely a manner as possible.”