Police cleared of wrongdoing in connection with Coquitlam man’s death
There is no evidence Coquitlam RCMP contributed to the death a Coquitlam man in March, according to a recently concluded investigation by B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office.
On March 4, police were called to check the well-being of a man at a home in the 500-block of Cottonwood Avenue. RCMP attended the scene but didn’t speak to the man.
“Based on the circumstances of the original call to police, it was reasonable for police to find they did not have grounds to enter the man’s premises,” IIO concluded. “Therefore, there is no evidence to support that police action or inaction contributed to the man’s death.”
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Police subsequently informed the caller that they hadn’t gotten a response from the man.
Police received another requested to check on the man on March 19. The man was found dead in his home.
The IIO undertook an investigation, which included: “canvassing for witnesses, assessing police documentation, and liaising with the BC Coroners Service,” according to the agency.
The investigation is closed.
The civilian oversight agency is tasked with investigating all incidents involving police that result in harm whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
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