Port Coquitlam man’s death not self-inflicted, autopsy shows

Watchdog is now investigating incident with police

An autopsy has determined a Port Coquitlam man involved in a shooting incident with police earlier this month did not die from a self-inflicted injury.

On June 18, Coquitlam RCMP and Integrated Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team were called to a home on 2103 Audrey Drive just after 7 p.m. after receiving a report that a distraught man was firing a gun into the air outside his home.

The man, who allegedly fired more shots when the police arrived, was later found dead behind a vehicle by emergency response team members.

The Independent Investigations Office, the provincial police watchdog, is investigating the fatal incident.

Initial reports made to the IIO on the evening by the RCMP suggested the man may have shot himself following an exchange of gunfire with police.

The IIO says following an autopsy, it has been determined that the male’s death was not self-inflicted.

The RCMP news release issued on June 19 did not indicate if officers fired back at the man.

The IIO says it is also investigating serious injuries sustained by a male relative of the deceased in the hours following the shootout.

“For both of these investigations, the IIO’s focus is determining whether police actions were lawful, proportionate and reasonable, or if any offence may have been committed,” the IIO said in a news release.

The IIO has interviewed approximately 30 witnesses and six police officers, and asks that any witnesses contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

Police have not released the name of the dead man.