Cranbrook, B.C.- The Cranbrook RCMP are confirming that an independent investigation is being conducted with respect to the in custody death of a 36 yr old Cranbrook man.  

 

The individual was in police custody on December 24th 2010 in Cranbrook and passed away while in hospital care in Kelowna on January 3rd, 2011.  

 

On December 24, 2010, the 36-year-old Cranbrook man was arrested without incident and returned to the Cranbrook RCMP Detachment in regards to a domestic violence investigation.  The individual was lodged in cells and after a brief period the guard performed a cell check via the closed circuit camera monitor and noted that the man was remaining standing by the cell bars motionless.  At this time the guard conducted a physical check and found the man was non responsive and appeared to have taken his own life by binding his t-shirt to cell bars.  BCAS was called while the cell block guard and an RCMP member administered CPR. The man was transported to Cranbrook Regional Hospital via ambulance and then to Kelowna Hospital where he rem,remained on life support up to January rd and died in while in care on January 3, 2011.

 

Police say  the matter was immediately forwarded to the attention of the Nelson Police Department who started an investigation as an in custody serious injury cell incident in December, which then progressed into an in custody death with the mans’ passing.

 

The BC Coroners Service is also conducting an investigation into this death independently of the Nelson PD.  The Cranbrook RCMP has also ordered an  Independent Officer Review.  All investigational findings will be reviewed by the primary investigating body that being the Nelson Police.  The mans’ family has requested that his name be withheld in order to protect their wishes for maintaining their privacy at this time.