Man dies after being pepper sprayed, shocked by RCMP at Whistler restaurant

    Police responded to report of man allegedly causing disturbance at restaurant; 3 officers injured in incident

    SOURCE:  CBC.ca, 2020-03-08  |  reddit

      whistler-village.jpg

      RCMP responded to a call about a man causing a disturbance at a local Whistler, B.C., business on March 8, 2020.
      [Image source. Click image to open in new window.]

    British Columbia's police watchdog is investigating the death of a man who was pepper sprayed and shocked with a stun gun by Mounties on Sunday. RCMP said the incident happened in Whistler at about 11 a.m. PT, after people called to report an intoxicated man causing a disturbance at a local business.

    The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) has since confirmed the man was inside Stonesedge Kitchen in the Whistler Village. The restaurant was open at the time. "We do understand there were many witnesses," said Ron MacDonald, chief civilian director of the IIO.

    A statement from RCMP said several officers used pepper spray on the man, stunned him with a conducted energy weapon and used their batons "in an effort to gain control of him." During the interaction, they said, the man "suddenly became still" and officers began CPR as they called paramedics. He died after being taken to hospital. RCMP said three officers were treated in hospital for minor injuries.

    MacDonald, speaking for the IIO, said the man was in his late 40s and "worked in the area." The director said investigators are looking for witnesses to come forward. "We have spoken with some witnesses, but we hope to hear from anyone and everyone who may have any evidence to offer from what they either saw or heard during this event," MacDonald said.

    The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of British Columbia is the province's civilian-led police watchdog. The office runs investigations into all incidents causing death or serious harm that may have been the result of a police officer's actions -- on or off duty.

    The goal is to determine whether or not an officer committed an offence, though there does not need to be an allegation of wrongdoing for the IIO to launch an investigation.

    The IIO reports back on its findings, whether or not the matter is referred to the Crown for consideration of charges.

    Return to BuriedTruth.com