B.C. police watchdog investigating death of man following RCMP arrest in Prince Rupert

British Columbia’s police oversight agency has launched an investigation after a man died following an interaction with RCMP officers in Prince Rupert over the weekend.

According to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., police were called to a residence shortly after 2:25 p.m. on Saturday in response to a reported assault. Officers attempted to take a man into custody, during which a physical interaction occurred.

The watchdog said the man went into medical distress during the arrest. He was transported to hospital, where he later died. The IIO confirmed it was notified of the incident shortly afterward, triggering an independent investigation.

In a separate statement, the RCMP said a conducted energy weapon was deployed during the interaction. Police have not released the identity of the man or further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

The Independent Investigations Office is a civilian-led agency responsible for examining all incidents in British Columbia involving police or detention guards that result in serious injury or death. Its role is to determine whether an officer may have committed an offence, and its findings are forwarded to Crown counsel if warranted.