IIO is Investigating an In-Custody Death in Vancouver (2026-133)

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating the death of a man that occurred while in the custody of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) on June 15, 2026.

Preliminary information provided by the VPD states that around 3 p.m. on June 14, a man was arrested and lodged in cells at the Vancouver Jail.

Around 8 a.m. on June 15, staff at the jail found the man unresponsive.

Medical personnel provided aid, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and has commenced an investigation.

There are two factors that the IIO considers at the beginning of each investigation:

1. If there has been an injury that meets the threshold of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act, or a death; and
2. If there is a connection between the serious harm/death and officer action or inaction.

If both conditions are met, the investigation will continue to examine all available evidence to determine what occurred. At the conclusion of the investigation, the chief civilian director will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence may have occurred.

The IIO asks that any witnesses who have information regarding this matter to please contact the IIO at our 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 officers and detention guards in British Columbia. It investigates all incidents involving officers or detention guards that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
info@iiobc.ca