Richmond RCMP is not at fault for the death of a man shortly after he was arrested for shoplifting earlier this year, according to the province’s police watchdog.
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has reviewed evidence of the May 28 incident outside Canadian Tire in Ironwood, including “statements from independent witnesses and several video sources,” which showed that the man was already unconscious when police arrived at the scene.
“Therefore, the (IIO chief civilian director) has determined that there was no connection between the death of the man and the actions or inactions of officers on the scene, and the investigation is now concluded,” reads a statement from the IIO.
The Richmond News previously reported that the police watchdog was notified after a man went into medical distress and died shortly after he was arrested for shoplifting outside the Canadian Tire in Ironwood, around 7:40 p.m. May 28.
“Upon arrival, officers found the man, who was engaged with a security officer, face down in the parking lot. Officers placed the man in handcuffs, but quickly determined that he was unresponsive,” reads the IIO statement on the investigation’s findings.
“Police immediately commenced CPR and called (BCEHS), who continued life-saving efforts.”
BC Emergency Health Services told the News at the time of the incident that paramedics dispatched to the scene cared for one patient suffering from cardiac arrest, before transporting that person to hospital in serious condition.
The man was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death.
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