Quebec’s bureau of independent investigators has launched an investigation into the arrest of a man wanted for the murder of a teenager. The BEI issued a statement saying it launched the investigation Wednesday after Quebec provincial police captured Philippe Benoit, 41, following a four-day manhunt after the death of a 16-year-old boy in Shawinigan. Benoit was arrested in in Lac-aux-Sables, about 50 kilometres northwest of the murder scene. A Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson said the suspect resisted arrest and was later taken to hospital. “Preliminary information provided to the BEI suggests that one person sustained gunshot wounds,” the BEI statement reads. “The person was reportedly struck by at least one police bullet and is said to be in stable condition. ”The BEI is called on to investigate certain cases, including when a police firearm is used or when someone is injured or killed during an intervention. Six BEI investigators have been assigned to investigate this case.A parallel criminal investigation into the events that took place prior to the police intervention will be carried out by Quebec City police. Benoit was located by the SQ on Wednesday thanks to a tip from the public. He has been charged with first-degree murder. The BEI is asking anyone who may have witnessed the arrest to contact them via their website. History of mental health issues On Sunday morning, police found the minor’s body at a home on 201e Avenue, leading them to believe it was a homicide and that a “bladed weapon” might have been used. Police did not release any further details. Benoit has a history of serious mental health issues, including schizophrenia and social phobia, Noovo Info reported. Police had urged anyone who spotted Benoit not to attempt to intervene, approach him, or contact him, but to call 911 immediately. A memorial service for the victim is scheduled to take place in Trois-Rivières, Que., on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
