IIO rules jail officials in Central Saanich aren't at fault after a man who was in custody had a serious, life-altering heart attack

The independent office that investigates all cases of police-involved serious harm or death has ruled that jail officials in Central Saanich aren't at fault after a man who was in custody had a serious, life-altering heart attack.

A report from the Independent Investigations Office says the man, who was in custody on an assault charge, suffered the attack on August 8th when the civilian jail attendant who was monitoring the cell cameras was briefly away from the desk.

But the report says efforts at assistance began just minutes after the staff member returned, checked the cameras, realized the man was in trouble and immediately sent help to the cell.

The man suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen and remains in hospital but the report says there is no evidence of negligence by any officer or the jail guard, Crown will not be asked to consider charges and the matter is considered closed.