IIO is Investigating an In-Custody Death in Surrey (2021-172)
Case: 2021-172 Incident Date: July 2, 2021 Agency: RCMP Location: Surrey Detachment: Surrey Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating a death that occurred in the custody of the Surrey RCMP.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on July 1, 2021 at approximately 2:45 p.m., a man was arrested near 72 Avenue and 132 Street following an incident at a business in the 7100-block of 138 Street. He was lodged in a cell at the Surrey RCMP detachment at about 4:25 p.m.
The following day at approximately 1:00 p.m., the man was found to be in medical distress and Emergency Health Services were called. The man was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The IIO has commenced an investigation to determine if police actions or inactions may have played a role in the death.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information of the incident to please contact the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
Background
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.