The Independent Investigations Office of BC has been called in after a Chilliwack man died following an encounter with RCMP Wednesday afternoon.
Police were called to an upstairs suite in the 9700 block of Oak Street just after 4 p.m. after reports a man had stabbed a dog and was “freaking out.”
While attempting to arrest the man, police say, a struggle broke out and a “conducted energy weapon” was used to subdue him
Paramedics, who were staged nearby, were called in when the man became unresponsive.
Firefighters were also called in to assist.
The man, who had an extensive criminal record, was eventually taken to Chilliwack hospital, with first responders performing CPR.
He was later pronounced dead.
BC Coroners Service has since identified the man as 42-year-old Kevin Seiji Mukuyama. He was well known to police.
One officer was also injured during the incident, confirmed RCMP Insp. Ed Boettcher. He was taken to hospital, treated and released.
The dog, meanwhile, was taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
Given that this matter is now considered a police in-custody death, said Boettcher, the IIO BC has asserted jurisdiction.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the IIO.
Watch www.theprogress.com as more information becomes available.