Penticton – A 55-year-old man was found dead after being locked up in Penticton RCMP cells.
RCMP said he was arrested by Kerremeos detachment at 7 a.m. and transported to Penticton police cells.
“The man was transported to the Penticton RCMP where he was lodged into the cell block, to be later transported to court,” said Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
He had outstanding warrants.
“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 RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) and all further investigation into the death while in police custody will be carried out by the body.
The IIO BC is now investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man’s death.
