The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is investigating after a man died shortly after he was arrested in Coquitlam on Wednesday.
According to a press release from the IIO, at about 11 p.m. Oct. 19, Coquitlam RCMP received several calls about an agitated man trying to break into homes in the 1500-block of Balmoral Avenue. One caller described a man confronting a homeowner with a large stick.
Police received additional calls about someone breaking into a home, according to a release from the BC RCMP E Division.
Coquitlam RCMP attended the home and found a severely injured and bleeding suspect inside with possible life-threatening injuries. After efforts were made to calm the man down, officers used a "conducted energy weapon," which appeared to have no effect and a physical confrontation ensued.
He was taken into custody but went into medical distress soon after.
Paramedics on the scene performed CPR and he was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.
IIO, which investigates all incidences of serious injury or death involving a police officer, will investigate to determine whether there is any connection between the man's death and the officers' actions.
Any witnesses are asked to call the IIO at 1-855-446-8477.
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@spayneTC
