The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has been called to Sechelt after the death of a suspect at the centre of a bank fraud case.
According to a release from the Lower Mainland District headquarters, Sunshine Coast RCMP officers were called to the TD Bank at the Tsain-Ko Centre just before 4 p.m. April 9, after a man was reportedly attempting to conduct a fraudulent transaction.
“Upon arrival the bank, the man was identified and detained by police. While officers were escorting the man to the car, the man allegedly fled from police on foot. A foot pursuit ensued into a thick blackberry brush area, where the man was located and arrested,” Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said in the release.
“While officers were attempting to get the man out of the brush, he complained of breathing problems. He collapsed and became unresponsive. Officers began life saving measures, which were assumed by BC Ambulance personnel. Despite all efforts, the man could not be resuscitated and was later pronounced deceased in hospital.”
The IIO is still working to determine whether anything police did is linked to the man’s death.
RCMP said because the incident in now under IIO jurisdiction, they will not be releasing any further details.
