B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating to see if Coquitlam RCMP actions led to a man's loss of consciousness during an arrest this morning (Oct. 19).
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) says the man is currently in hospital listed in critical condition after police and paramedics tried to resuscitate him after his arrest.
After 3 a.m., a Coquitlam Mountie was approached to help locate a man allegedly intoxicated with drugs and alcohol and left his home wearing just a t-shirt and underwear.
The man was found in a home on 300-block Balfour Drive. The officer heard a "banging" noise and saw him through the door.
A second Mountie joined to help take the man into custody.
"The man was resistant to the officers’ attempts to take him into custody and a struggle ensued," an IIO release explains.
"Once in handcuffs, officers noted the man was having trouble breathing and lost consciousness. Officers began life-saving efforts until BC Emergency Health Services arrived to continue resuscitation efforts and transport the man to a local area hospital, where he was listed in critical condition."
The IIO is now investigating to see if police actions led to the man's injury, directly or indirectly.
It's unclear, as of this publication, if the man remains in critical care or the extent of his medical condition as no other information is being released.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has information about the incident is encouraged to contact IIO at 1-855-446-8477 or go online to the provincial agency's website.
