B.C.’s police watchdog investigating man’s death in Surrey RCMP cell

SURREY, B.C. – British Columbia’s police watchdog says it is investigating the death of a man being held at the Surrey RCMP detachment.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. says the man was arrested Canada Day following what is described as an “incident” at a business.

The Mounties say the man was placed in a cell where he was seen sleeping in an awkward position the next day around 1 p.m.

They say the cell sergeant tried to wake him but found him unresponsive.

Police say the man was pronounced dead shortly after Emergency Health Services arrived.

The Independent Investigations Office says it will determine whether police actions or inaction may have played a role in the death.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2021.