Man dies in Vancouver Tim Hortons, police watchdog called in
Posted November 27, 2020 8:31 am.
Last Updated November 27, 2020 1:10 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A man has died and Vancouver police are under investigation by the province’s watchdog after an encounter at a Tim Hortons Thursday.
Vancouver police say they were called to the Tim Hortons near Main Street and Terminal Avenue just after 6 p.m. for reports a man had been in the bathroom for more than half an hour.
Vancouver Police along with the Coroner on scene inside a Tim Hortons at Terminal and Station Street near the Main Street – Science World SkyTrain Station. @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/gpNoBYT7iv
— Chad Harris (@ChadHarrisTV) November 27, 2020
When officers arrived, VPD Const. Tania Visintin says restaurant staff were trying to close down the dining area and “asked that he be removed.”
“When he came out of the restroom, he was agitated and aggressive which resulted in a physical altercation,” Visintin writes.
The VPD says the man went into medical distress during the encounter with police. Paramedics were called, but the man died at the scene.
Ron McDonald, chief civilian director for the Independent Investigations Office, says witnesses have been talked to and officers have some video.
“There are further steps to be taken, which will include an autopsy to be conducted,” he says.
The IIO is still investigating to determine what use of force, if any, was used against the individual, and if that played a role in his death, McDonald says.
“We always have to keep our minds open for a variety of circumstances,” he adds.
The IIO always investigated when an officer-involved incident ends in death or serious harm.
Anyone who might have seen anything and hasn’t already talked to investigators is asked to call 1-855-446-8477 or go through the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
