B.C. police watchdog investigating after man dies in custody

British Columbia's police oversight agency says it is investigating after a man died in police custody in Maple Ridge last week.

Police announced Monday that Ridge Meadows RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver near Lougheed Highway and Old Dewdney Trunk Road in Pitt Meadows on Sept. 19. According to a news release, officersarrested the man without incident.

Police said the man was found not responsive during a routine cell check just before midnight anddied despite receiving medical assistance.

The RCMP said it hasnotified the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO),and the watchdog confirmed Monday that it was investigating.

In its own statement, the IIO sayspolice reportedthe man was drivinga GMC Sierra pickup truck, and the arresttook place after 7 p.m. The IIO says the man was found to be in medical distress at around 11:45 p.m.

The agency says it is looking to confirm details of the man's arrest as well as hissubsequent medical event and death to determine if there are any reasonable grounds to believe that any officer may have committed an offence. Theagency declined to provide any additional information Monday afternoon, saying that its investigation is still in the "very early stages."

The RCMP have said they will not be releasing additional information about the case because it is now under investigation by the oversight agency.

The IIO is asking anyone with video footage or information about the incident to call 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form at iiobc.ca.