WARNING: The following story discusses suicide
B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating the death of an Abbotsford man that occurred late last year.
According to a news release from the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO), initial steps will look to confirm details of what happened leading up to the man’s death and the role of officers’ action or inaction.
A 911 caller reported her friend had mental health concerns on Dec. 30, 2023 and was threatening self-harm. Police determined he didn’t appear suicidal upon attending the call, according to the IIO.
The following day (Dec. 31), BC Emergency Health Services found the man dead from apparent self-inflicted injuries after receiving reports of a sudden death.
A member of the public notified the IIO on Feb. 1 and an investigation began. The IIO investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
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