Police watchdog investigating after man sustains ‘serious harm’ in Duncan/North Cowichan RCMP cells

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating an incident in Duncan where one man sustained “serious harm” while in police custody.

Mounties told the IIO that on Friday, Nov. 4 around 3:45 p.m., a man was arrested reportedly without incident and transferred to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP cells.

Shortly after a video bail hearing on Nov. 5, the man was found in medical distress in his cell, the investigations office says, noting paramedics transported him to hospital for treatment.

The IIO, responsible for investigating all officer-related incidents resulting in serious harm or death, says it’s working to determine what role, if any, police actions or inactions may have played in the man’s condition.

The province’s police watchdog is asking anyone with relevant information or video footage regarding the incident to call its witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or fill out the contact form on its website.

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