The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) is investigating the death of a man who was taken into custody after a weapons call in Cranbrook and later died in hospital.
Arrest and Medical Distress
On June 27, police located a man on the roof of a building near the intersection of Briar Avenue and 5th Street. The man was reported to have weapons on him. Officers contained the area, arrested the man, and transported him to the local RCMP detachment.
Shortly after noon the next day, the man was observed to be in medical distress. Officers provided aid, and firefighters and paramedics were called. The man was taken to hospital in critical condition.
Death and Investigation
On June 30, the man was pronounced dead in hospital. The IIO was notified and is now tasked with determining whether the death is connected to the actions or inaction of police. If police involvement is considered a factor, the chief civilian director will assess whether an offence may have occurred.
The IIO is appealing for witnesses to the police incident and anyone with video to come forward. They can call the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form at iiobc.ca.
