Vancouver Police request RCMP to investigate In-Custody death

On July 16, 2011 at 11:55 pm, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to take over the investigation into the sudden death of a 28 year old male that occurred at a residence located in the 1400 block of East Broadway in the City of Vancouver.

On July 16, 2011 at approximately 7:00 pm, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) responded to a call for assistance from the residence to deal with a distraught male. VPD uniform officers arrived at the scene, and attempted to safely secure the male. Before the male could be restrained, however, he allegedly used a household item to inflict serious injuries to himself. Immediate first aid efforts were initiated by the VPD officers and continued by paramedics, but, unfortunately, the male died from his injuries. An autopsy will be held in the days to come to attempt to confirm the cause of death.

In accordance with Provincial policy for deaths deemed to have occurred while the subject is in custody, VPD has requested that the RCMP take over and act as an independent investigative agency. The RCMP Lower Mainland District Officer has assigned IHIT to take on the investigation, though as noted above, the death is currently considered “in custody” rather than a homicide.