B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating after a man died in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of breaking and entering into a home in Coquitlam on Wednesday.
Police said they were called to a home in the 1500 block of Balmoral Drive at around 11 p.m after hearing reports of an agitated man allegedly trying to break into homes. He is also alleged to have confronted at least one homeowner with a large stick.
Police said when officers arrived, they found the suspect bleeding with possibly life-threatening injuries.
They said officers then used a Taser on the man but reported it had no effect. According to police, after a physical confrontation, officers took the man into custody without incident.
Soon after that, police said he went into medical distress.
Emergency Health Services on scene performed CPR and transported the suspect to hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is now investigating whether there is a connection between the man’s death and the actions of police.
Any potential witnesses are asked to call the IIO at 1-855-446-8477.