Statement

Statement with respect to recent IIO assertion

April 17, 2026 - Quesnel, British Columbia
From: Quesnel RCMP

Content

File: 2026-2637

First, I want to acknowledge that the Independent Investigation Office of BC has conduct of the investigation in relation to the police actions during this event. This is an important fact to understand as it informs the decisions that are made with respect to public communications once that notification is made.

While I am mindful not to compromise the IIO BC investigation, I will say that a public alert requires certain criteria and this event never met the threshold for such an alert. Further, the Detachment Commander responded reactively to several media inquiries as the incident was unfolding to provide, in very basic terms, the nature of the event, the reason for the heavy police presence, and the need for residents to stay in their homes or away from the area:

Police are currently dealing with an unfolding event and limited details are available at this time. Police have responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of Nason Street. There is a heavy police presence in the area dealing with the situation. We are asking people that live in the area to remain in their residences and ask that the public stay clear of the area while police deal with the incident.

However, he was otherwise engaged and not in a position to respond to everyone. By the time I became aware of the unfolding event, the IIO BC had been notified and asserted jurisdiction.

Despite being the lead agency, the IIO BC extends us the courtesy of issuing the first statement, which requires multiple approvals from both agencies. This process is important as it ensures accuracy of information while also maintaining the integrity of their investigation. This process takes time, as evidenced by other recent assertions and the public notifications that followed. While we work as quickly as possible, there are always multiple factors that impact the urgency at which the process is completed. Priority will always be given to informing the community of any ongoing risk to public safety.

I want to be very clear when I say that while I understand the public’s interest and the desire to know as much information as quickly as possible, rushing to provide that information always risks the integrity, transparency and independence of the IIO BC investigation.

Related products

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Associated links

• IIO Seeking Witnesses to Incident in Quesnel (2026-086)

Contacts