The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has announced that it is now heading the investigation into a “suspicious death” that occurred Sunday night following a fight outside of an Abbotsford business.
The agency said on Tuesday morning that it was not releasing any further details, pending the results of an autopsy.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is also continuing its investigation into the matter because a police officer was involved.
Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said at least two 911 calls came in just before 8:30 p.m. on Sunday about a fight between two men. The incident took place outside of Parisotto's YIG (Your Independent Grocer) at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre.
He said the first patrol officer arrived at the scene four minutes after being dispatched and found an unconscious man on the ground.
The officer checked for vital signs and began CPR when no pulse was detected, MacDonald said.
Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service and BC Ambulance personnel arrived on the scene immediately afterwards and took over the medical efforts.
The 54-year-old Abbotsford man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:16 p.m. His name has not been released.
MacDonald said the other man involved in the alleged fight remained on the scene and was “fully co-operative.”
The IIO is investigating to determine if there is a connection between any police action and the death of the Abbotsford man.
The IIO looks into officer-related incidents involving death or serious harm in order to determine whether an officer might have committed an offence.
