IIO investigating after man dies of apparent self-inflicted injuries in Saanich standoff

IIO investigating after man dies of apparent self-inflicted injuries in Saanich standoff
CHEK

Warning: This article contains information some readers may find distressing. 

B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating after a man who told police he was armed and had a hostage inside a Saanich home died from apparent self-inflicted injuries.

The Independent Investigations Office of BC says it is looking into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death following the police standoff Monday evening.

Saanich Police officers were called to the home in the 900-block of Easter Road at around 5 p.m. after receiving a request for assistance.

The Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team was later called in to help when the man didn’t comply with police orders to exit the home.

Hours after the incident began, at around 11:30 p.m., officers entered the home and found the man unresponsive due to apparent self-inflicted injuries and he was pronounced dead. No one else was found at the home.

Saanich Police Department issued its own release regarding the incident, saying that the man died despite efforts to resuscitate him.

Police said they had taped off the home and expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day Tuesday.

The IIO is investigating whether police actions or inactions contributed to the death. The BC Coroners Service is also conducting its own investigation into the man’s death.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or via its website.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call the provincial suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or visit crisislines.bc.ca to find local mental health and crisis resources.

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!