PENTICTON, BC: The RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) after a man suffered a medical incident while in RCMP custody in Penticton.

Just after 7:00 a.m. this morning, August 16, 2018, Keremeos RCMP arrested a 55-year-old man during a traffic stop, for outstanding warrants. The man was transported to the Penticton RCMP where he was lodged into the cell block, to be later transported to court.

During a routine check conducted just after 9 a.m. the man was found unresponsive in his cell. Officers began and continued resuscitation efforts until paramedics arrived. The male was transported to a local area hospital but was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

The IIO BC is now investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man’s death. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.

Please note that all aspects and circumstances of this incident will be the subject of independent investigation and verification by the IIO BC. For more information about the IIO BC and media updates, you can visit their website at http://www.iiobc.ca

Written and released by: BC RCMP