Watchdog investigating after man dies in Vancouver police cells

The Vancouver Police Department's headquarters is seen in a 2024 image.

A watchdog investigation has been launched after a man died in Vancouver police custody.

Authorities said they arrested the man around 3 p.m. Sunday and placed him in the Vancouver Police Department’s jail on Cordova Street.

Staff found him unresponsive around 8 a.m. Monday, approximately 17 hours after he was taken into custody, according to “preliminary information” police gave to the Independent Investigations Office.

“Medical personnel provided aid, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the IIO said in a news release Tuesday.

The watchdog—which is tasked with investigating all police-involved incidents that result in death or serious harm, regardless of whether there’s an allegation of wrongdoing against law enforcement—said it was notified shortly after the man’s death.

Police told CTV News the man was arrested on two outstanding warrants, near Main and East Hastings streets.

The early stages of the watchdog’s investigation will focus on whether there is a possible connection between the man’s death and the action or inaction of police.