Investigation launched after man died following police altercation

The province’s police watchdog is investigating after a man in Terrace, B.C., died following an altercation with police.

The RCMP says police received a call from a woman at the Mills Memorial Hospital on Thursday afternoon, saying a man was walking towards her with an axe and that he may try to hurt himself.

Officers arrived and tried to negotiate with the man.

Police say a conducted energy weapon was used and the man was immediately treated for his injuries, but later died in hospital.

The Independent Investigations Office says the agency will conduct an investigation to determine if there is a connection between the man’s death and the actions of police.

The office is brought in any time police are involved in a death or serious injury.