Police Watchdog Investigating After Youth Jumps From Cranbrook School Roof

Subhadarshi Tripathy

9/18/20261 min read

B.C.’s civilian police watchdog has been notified after a youth was seriously injured jumping from the roof of a Cranbrook high school during an incident involving RCMP on Wednesday.

Police said the situation began shortly before 8 a.m. MT when officers were called to a home in Cranbrook following a report that a male youth had allegedly threatened people inside the residence with a knife before leaving on foot.

Approximately 10 minutes later, RCMP said officers located the youth on the roof of nearby Mount Baker Secondary School.

The school was subsequently evacuated.

Youth Seriously Injured After Jump

Police said the youth remained on the roof for several hours before jumping shortly after 10 a.m.

He suffered serious injuries.

“First responders immediately provided medical assistance before the individual was transported to hospital. No one else was injured in the incident,” RCMP said in a statement.

Police have not released additional details about the youth’s condition.

IIO Reviewing Police Involvement

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C., or IIO, has been notified and is now reviewing the incident.

The IIO investigates police-involved incidents that result in serious injury or death, regardless of whether there is an allegation of wrongdoing by officers.

Its involvement does not in itself indicate that police misconduct occurred.

The watchdog is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the police response and the events leading up to the youth’s injuries.

Classes Resume at Mount Baker Secondary

Classes have since resumed as normal at Mount Baker Secondary.

School officials are making supports and counselling available to students and staff affected by the incident.

Additional services are also being offered through the local Foundry organization.

MLA Expresses Concern for Youth

Kootenay-Rockies MLA Pete Davis, who said his son attends the school, issued a statement thanking first responders and school staff.

“It’s difficult to hear that a young person was going through such a tough moment,” Davis said.

“I truly hope they get the help and support they need.”

The IIO investigation remains ongoing.

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