Vancouver police dog injured man during arrest

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating after a man was injured by a police dog in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood Thursday.

Police say a man with reported outstanding warrants for his arrest was spotted entering a business by officers on 4th Avenue near Maple Street just before 8 p.m.

“When the man exited the store, he was told by police that he was under arrest. During the interaction that followed, the man was injured by a police service dog,” the IIO said.

He was reportedly taken to hospital for treatment of a “non-life-threatening injury.”

Investigators are now seeking witnesses to the incident who have not already provided a statement.

“Initial investigative steps will seek to confirm if the man’s injury meets the definition of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act. If serious harm is established, further investigation will examine whether the officer’s actions during the arrest were necessary, reasonable, and proportionate in the circumstances.”

If you have information or footage to share, you’re asked to call the IIO at our Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or reach out via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.