RCMP have notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident which resulted in the death of a man in Whistler.
The IIO BC is now investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man’s death.
As the incident took place in a public space, witnesses are being asked to contact the IIO as soon as possible to make a statement.
The incident happened on March 8, when Whistler RCMP officers attended a local business after receiving a complaint of a drunk man causing a disturbance.
According to the RCMP, police officers used OC spray, a taser and their batons in an effort to gain control of him. The man suddenly became still and officers began CPR and called emergency health services.
He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Three officers were treated at hospital for minor injuries and released.
Meanwhile, additional RCMP resources have been brought in from neighbouring communities to maintain policing duties in Whistler.