British Columbia

Investigation launched after man dies in attempted arrest in Surrey

B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating after a man died in Surrey as police tried to arrest him Monday afternoon.

Man goes into caridac arrest following physical struggle with police, IIO says

The Independent Investigations Office is looking into the death of a man in Surrey after police tried to arrest him. (CBC)

B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating a man's death in Surrey after police tried to arrest him.

The Independent Investigations Office says Surrey RCMP received calls about a "distraught" man who was standing in the intersection of 10th Avenue and 161A Street in South Surrey and screaming at around 1:30 p.m. PT Monday.

Surrey RCMP says officers attempted to speak with the man before deciding to arrest him.

The arrest attempt turned into a physical struggle, the IIO said in a statement, and the suspect went into cardiac arrest.

Surrey RCMP says paramedics attempted to save him, but he died at the scene around 3 p.m.

An investigation has been opened, the IIO said, and witnesses are asked to contact investigators.

Surrey RCMP says the area around the intersection has been cordoned off for the investigation.