Man dies in Penticton RCMP lockup
PENTICTON – An investigation has begun following the death of a man while in police custody in Penticton.
Keremeos RCMP arrested a 55-year-old man during a traffic stop on outstanding warrants just after 7 a.m. today, Aug. 16, according to an RCMP media release.
He was transported to the Penticton RCMP detachment where he was placed in a cell prior to a court hearing.
During a routine check around 9 a.m., the man was found unresponsive and resuscitation efforts began, police say. Paramedics arrived and transported the man to hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions were linked to the man’s death. The independent investigations office says in a media release investigators have been deployed and will be gathering physical evidence, interview witnesses and reviewing video footage.
RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says with independent investigations involved, no further information will be released by police.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
