A Prince George man has succumbed to what was described as a serious injury after he was arrested for breaking and entering into a sporting goods store known for selling firearms and ammunition.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) says the man was involved in a downtown incident last week, was initially medically cleared from hospital, but was taken back later to be treated for an injury after appearing to be in medical distress.
The IIO began an investigation on Thursday (April 16) of what led to the suspect’s injury and if police actions or inactions caused bodily harm.
In an updated statement, it was told on Monday (April 20) the man had died in hospital and the family was notified.
Around 4:30 a.m. on April 12, police responded to an alarm at a business on 1400-block, 3 Ave. that forced officers to close portions of Fourth Avenue and Brunswick Street to the public.
Three hours later, after negotiations, the man was arrested by efforts from the North District RCMP Emergency Response Team and a police dog service unit.
He was taken to hospital where he was medically assessed and cleared.
Hours later, while in custody at the local detachment, the man went into medical distress and was transported back to hospital where he was found suffering from a serious injury.
B.C.’s police watchdog says its investigation into the incident is ongoing and anyone who saw, heard or recorded the incident to contact the toll-free IIO Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477.
- with files from Hanna Petersen, PrinceGeorgeMatters
