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Death of Young Houston Man Questioned by Many

By Ben Meisner

22 year old Ian Bush at his sister's wedding in September


The major crime section of the RCMP in Vancouver has begun their investigation into the shooting death of a 22 year old Houston man, Ian Bush,  who died while in Houston RCMP custody Saturday night. 

All inquiries into his death have been shifted from the Prince George sub division headquarters to the Division E headquarters in Vancouver, where a spokesman told Opinion250 News "The family has asked us not to comment on the matter at this time.”  But Ian's family is talking.   Family members issued this media statement late today:
 
"From the information we have been given, Ian Bush was approached by officers because he had an open beer. He was put into the police car and asked what his name was. Apparently, Ian jokingly said his friend’s name. Another officer from the Houston detachment who was at Ian’s sister’s wedding in September, identified Ian. 

Upon this, the officer dealing with Ian placed Ian under arrest for obstruction of justice. He was handcuffed, placed in the police car, and taken the two blocks to the police station. Reportedly for an unknown reason an altercation occurred between the officer and Ian. Constable Lorne Wood has informed the family that as a result of this altercation Ian was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head. This is the only information we have right now. The investigation is continuing."



Ian Bush fishing in the region


An autopsy was performed today in Prince George but the results of that autopsy are not expected to be immediately released. It is known that Ian died as a result of a single gun shot to the head although the family has been told he also had several bruises.  According to police, he was in the process of being released from the interrogation room at the RCMP station in Houston. 

The video surveillance equipment that would normally monitor the goings on in the interrogation room, was either not working or was not turned on. 

The police took Bush into custody after a group of young hockey fans had gathered outside of the Houston arena and were having a beer between periods a practice that occurs at most arenas across Canada. 

The circumstances into him being taken into custody are sketchy. . He had been employed at the Canfor Houston Mill for the past three and half years and was not only well liked at his place of employment but was also well known and liked in the community of 4,000. 

One person interviewed said "When you live in town of 4,000 everyone knows everyone and Ian was no different." 

A trust fund has been established at the CANFOR mill where he was employed to cover any legal fees that may be involved and to set a trust fund up in his memory. 

Police are not saying if the officer in question is still on the job, on leave, or suspended  pending  their investigation.


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