IIO investigates after Abbotsford police officer gives CPR
The civilian-led body is also investigating after a Salt Spring RCMP officer gave CPR April 22
The Independent Investigations Office is investigating after Abbotsford police officers gave CPR to an unconscious male who did not survive.
The IIO is a civilian-led agency tasked with investigating officer-related incidents of death or serious harm.
The Abbotsford Police Department responded to a report of a fight at a business in the 32900 block of South Fraser Way at 8:28 p.m. PT last night.
Officers found an unconscious 54-year-old man on the ground outside the store, and started CPR when they found no pulse. When firefighters and ambulance personnel arrived, they took over efforts to assist the man.
He was transported to hospital, but pronounced dead at 9:16 p.m. PT.
Salt Spring case also investigated
This is the second time in two weeks the IIO has been called in after an officer gave CPR.
On April 22, at approximately 4:20 a.m. PT, Salt Spring RCMP were called to a fight on Richard Flack Road.
They found an unresponsive 36-year-old man, who was already undergoing CPR by two other men.
The RCMP officer continued CPR until emergency health services arrived, but the 36-year-old man could not be revived and was pronounced dead later in hospital.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is also investigating the "suspicious death," according to a release.
In both cases, the IIO is investigating if there is any connection between the actions of the police and the deaths.