Officer Who Fatally Shot Indigenous Man Declines to Testify at Inquest

A coroner's inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Julian Jones, a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, who was fatally shot by the RCMP in February 2021. According to the testimony of Cpl. Daniel Macintosh, one of the responding officers, the incident occurred less than five minutes after officers arrived at a residence in Opitsaht.

Officers were initially dispatched to investigate reports of an assault and confinement. Cpl. Macintosh described hearing a woman call for help from inside the home, along with other sounds. Upon entering, another officer, Const. David Robichaud, arrested an individual who was later identified as Jones's brother. It was at this point that Julian Jones emerged from the residence, reportedly issuing threats to the officers.

Cpl. Macintosh testified that he observed Jones striking two metal objects together, which produced sparks. The officer stated he instructed Jones to drop what he believed to be knives. Jones then began to advance towards the officers. Const. Robichaud deployed a Taser, after which Jones reportedly fell and then rose again, continuing to approach the officers.

Cpl. Macintosh drew his service pistol, but Const. Robichaud fired his weapon first. Two additional shots were fired by Const. Robichaud as Jones continued to advance. Jones subsequently collapsed. Following the incident, Cpl. Macintosh discovered the objects Jones was holding were flat metal files.

Const. Robichaud, who discharged his firearm in the fatal encounter, was summoned to testify but is not anticipated to appear. Having retired from the RCMP and relocated outside British Columbia, he is not legally obligated to attend. An investigation by the Independent Investigations Office did not result in charges against either officer. The inquest aims to clarify the facts and circumstances of the death and may issue non-binding recommendations to prevent future tragedies.