Table of Contents
Understanding the Incident
On Christmas Day 2019, a tragic incident unfolded in Victoria, British Columbia, when police responded to a housing facility after a fire broke out. The situation escalated when officers encountered Lisa Rauch, a 43-year-old woman who was reportedly barricaded inside a suite and had threatened someone with a knife.
In an attempt to subdue her, police fired three projectiles from an ARWEN, a less-lethal launcher, striking her in the head. This decision would ultimately lead to her death a few days later, after being taken off life support.
The Hearing and Ruling
After 16 days of hearings, retired judge Wally Oppal ruled that Sgt. Ron Kirkwood committed misconduct under the police act. The ruling came as a response to a public hearing ordered by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, following requests from Lisa’s family for clarity on the incident.
The family had expressed concerns about inconsistencies in the information provided by police and the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), which had previously declined to pursue charges against the officer.
During the hearings, it was revealed that Lisa had been drinking and using drugs with a friend before the fire broke out.
Kirkwood defended his actions by stating he believed Lisa posed a danger to others and that he aimed for her torso, not her head. However, Oppal concluded that the use of potentially lethal force was unjustified, especially given the obscured visibility due to smoke.
Community Reactions and Calls for Change
The ruling has sparked discussions about police accountability and the need for reform within law enforcement agencies. Audrey Rauch, Lisa’s mother, expressed hope that the outcome would deter similar incidents in the future.
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that officers often face dynamic and unpredictable environments. However, the community is left questioning whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of individuals in crisis.
As the case continues to unfold, with a coroner’s inquest scheduled in the coming months, the focus remains on how police departments can better handle such situations. The tragic death of Lisa Rauch serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive training and accountability measures within law enforcement, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals.
