Woman hospitalized while in Vernon cell not fault of police: B.C. police watchdog

VERNON – A police watchdog has concluded a woman who was rushed to hospital last week while in police custody in Vernon had caused her own injuries.

According to a media release from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., the woman was arrested July 24 and held overnight in police custody prior to a court appearance.

The Independent Investigations Office said the woman's own actions while in custody were the cause for the medical emergency on July 25, and had it not been for the intervention of the guard and officers on duty her actions could have resulted in her death.

The woman reportedly spoke to police on the morning of July 25 while being held in a cell in preparation for court, but shortly afterwards was seen to be in medical distress. The woman was rushed to the hospital and received medical care. After a short stay, she was released without injury.

"Our investigation has determined that the female’s medical event did not arise from the actions of police," states the release.

The Independent Investigations Office is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in B.C. investigating all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.

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