B.C.’s independent police watchdog investigating man’s death in Surrey’s Morgan Creek area

Content warning: This story contains references to suicide. If you or a loved one is at risk of self-harm, the BC Crisis Centre can be reached at 1-800-784-2433. Translation services are available.

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIOBC) says it is investigating the death of a man after an incident that took place in Surrey’s Morgan Creek area Sunday afternoon.

Police were called to a home in the area of 159A Street and 37 Avenue after reports of threats being made, IIOBC said.

The RCMP, Surrey Police Service, and the Emergency Response Team all attended.

The man was found dead inside the home with “what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries.”

“The IIO was notified of the death shortly after it occurred, and initial investigative steps will seek to determine what role, if any, police actions or inactions may have played in the death,” IIOBC said.

“The incident is concluded with no risk to the public,” Surrey RCMP watch commander Sgt. Darryl Vanderstoep had said just before 7 p.m.

Callers to CityNews reported seeing a heavy police presence and paramedics on the scene Sunday afternoon.

With files from Angelyna Mintz.