IIO investigating after man fled police and died in Howe Sound

A man is dead and the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) is investigating an incident in West Vancouver earlier this week.

West Vancouver Police Department officers were called to the Cypress Creek area of Highway 99 near Strachan Point Road at about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, according to an IIO statement issued Friday. Callers reported that a man was “trying to jump in front of southbound vehicles,” the IIO said.

Officers responded and tried to engage with the man, whom the IIO referred to as the affected person. He fled into a bush and ravine area. Officers searched with a police dog, and the Canadian Coast Guard was called to help locate him. The IIO said he was recovered from Howe Sound, north of 1 Strachan Point Rd., a short time later.

Despite life-saving efforts by B.C. Emergency Health Services, the man was pronounced dead.

The IIO investigates all B.C. incidents involving police officers that result in the death or serious injury of a member of the public, regardless of whether police wrongdoing is alleged. Investigators are seeking witnesses and video evidence to determine whether the man’s death is connected to any officer’s actions or inaction. If a connection exists, the investigation will continue; otherwise, it will be closed.

Anyone with information can call the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form on the office’s website.