The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. deployed investigators to Abbotsford on Tuesday evening following an incident that involved a fatality.
Abbotsford Police Sgt. Judy Bird said police received a call just after 1:30 p.m., saying a man was in serious mental distress.
She said officers “set up procedures” to approach and communicate with the man.
Bird said they initially stayed a distance away because they didn’t know the exact circumstances they were dealing with.
They located the man at 2:16 p.m. on North Parallel Road, east of Whatcom Road, and contained the area. Emergency Health Services then confirmed that the man was deceased.
The area was blocked to traffic for several hours as police continued their investigation.
As a result of the fatality and the fact that officers were present at the incident, the IIO was notified.
The IIO is an independent civilian oversight agency that investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
No other details have been released about the incident.
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