B.C. police watchdog investigating after man found to have injuries following arrest

VANDERHOOF, B.C. – The RCMP say a man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being arrested in Vanderhoof, B.C.

The Mounties say in a news release the incident occurred after officers were called to a home for a well-being check on Saturday.

They say officers arrived there to find two women and a man, who they allege was prohibited by court order from having contact with the women.

The police say a struggle ensued when an officer tried to arrest the man, who resisted, and the man was taken into custody after another officer stepped in.

Police say BC Emergency Health Services assessed the man at the RCMP detachment and took him to a local hospital, where it was determined he sustained serious injury.

British Columbia’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigations Office, is investigating whether police actions are linked to the man’s injuries.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2021.