B.C.’s police watchdog investigating after man injured during interaction with police in Downtown Eastside

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating an incident where a man was injured after an interaction with police in the Downtown Eastside several months ago.

Shortly before 11 a.m. on May 28, 2025, members of the Vancouver Police Department were called to a residential building on West Hastings near Carrall Street after a report of a man brandishing a weapon.

“When police arrived, they were told the man was inside a residential unit, and members of the Emergency Response Team were called to assist,” the office said.

“Some time later, the man was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment.”

The IIO says it was notified of the incident the day it happened and began investigating. It says the man’s injuries meet the definition of serious harm as defined in the Police Act. It also says the man had been in possession of an air-powered pellet gun that closely resembled a firearm.

“To date, IIO investigators have interviewed several civilian witnesses and multiple police officers,” the IIO said.

“Investigators have also collected evidence from multiple sources, including video footage. They now expect to conduct further interviews and analyze forensic evidence and reports.”

Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is asked to call the IIO Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477.