The provincial police watchdog will not recommend charges in the case of an off-duty Central Saanich officer鈥檚 death by suicide.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC was called in after the man was found dead on Dec. 18, 2024, by RCMP in a rural area near Shawnigan Lake.
On Dec 17, 2024, the Vancouver Police Department announced that Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, members of the Central Saanich Police Service, were arrested and charged with one count each of sexual assault. Ball was also charged with breach of trust. It was reported on Dec. 18 that Ball, 43, had died after being released on bail.
The two men were released from custody and taken home, following a mental health assessment, the IIO says in its report released April 14.
The chief civilian director reviewed the evidence 鈥� including witness statements, police documentation, medical reports and surveillance footage 鈥� and determined there is no indication that there was a neglect in duty to care, and no reasonable grounds to believe any officer may have committed an offence.
If you feel like you are in crisis or are considering suicide, please call or text 988 or visit .
