B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating after a man experienced a medical event while in custody of the Nelson Police Department.
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) said that Nelson Police arrested a man on outstanding warrants around 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 27 and lodged him in NPD cells.
At about 7 a.m., the man asked for medical assistance and Emergency Health Services were called.
He was then taken to hospital for treatment. The IIO was notified shortly after the incident and launched an investigation.
Nelson Police Chief Donovan Fisher issued a statement on the incident on Dec. 3.
“There was no incident in cells, or injury suffered by the individual,” he said, noting that the arrest occured without incident, and that no physical force was used.
He said the initial reason for the arrest is still under investigation. Further details will be released if it results in charges against the individual.
The IIO said it considers two factors at the beginning of each investigation. First, it determines whether a case involves serious harm, as defined under the Police Act, or death; second, whether that harm may be connected to police or detention guard actions or inaction.
If both conditions are met, investigators review all available evidence before the chief civilian director decides whether reasonable grounds exist to believe an offence occurred.
The IIO is also asking anyone who has not already spoken with investigators, or who has video of the incident, to contact its witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form on its website.
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of officers and, since 2025, detention guards in British Columbia.
It investigates all incidents involving officers or detention guards that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNow News Alerts.
