IIO seeks witnesses to arrest and death of Burnaby, B.C., man

BURNABY — The Independent Investigations Office of BC says it is looking for witnesses to the arrest and death of a man in Burnaby, B.C., last week.

It says in a news release that Burnaby RCMP officers reported they were called to the 7000 block of Hillview Street shortly after 4:30 p.m. last Friday.

The IIO says callers reported concerns about a man “creating a disturbance and possibly suffering a mental health issue.”

The IIO says police found the man outside his home but as officers went to take him into custody, the man went into medical distress.

It says officers provided medical aid and he was taken to the hospital but later died.

The office says it was notified the same day and are looking into whether police actions or inactions contributed to the man’s death.

It is asking any witnesses who have not already provided a statement to the IIO or who have video footage of the scene to contact them.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2025.