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Jun 16, 2026 5:43 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press
British Columbia's Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has launched an investigation following the death of a man while in Vancouver Police Department custody.
According to the police watchdog, the man was arrested by Vancouver police officers at approximately 3 p.m. Sunday and lodged in the Vancouver Police Department jail on Cordova Street. Jail staff found him unresponsive at about 8 a.m. Monday.
BC Emergency Health Services personnel attended the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead.
The IIO said its initial investigation will focus on determining whether any actions or omissions by police officers may have contributed to the man's death. The agency is responsible for investigating incidents involving police in British Columbia that result in serious harm or death.
The deceased has not been publicly identified. Police have also not disclosed the offence for which he was arrested. Authorities have confirmed, however, that the man was the subject of two outstanding warrants and was arrested near Main Street and East Hastings Street.
