The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has been called in after a man died at Mills Memorial Hospital after Terrace RCMP responded to a report of a man welding an axe who may have been attempting to hurt himself.
Around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday August 18, 2016 police received a call from a woman at the Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace who advised that a male was walking towards her with an axe and he may try and hurt himself.
Police attended, secured the area, and attempted to negotiate with the male in an effort to de-escalate the situation. A conducted energy weapon, similar to a Taser, was deployed and the male was apprehended but had suffered injuries for which immediate medical care was provided.
Unfortunately, the male later died in hospital. No other individuals were injured during the incident.
The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia was notified and its investigators are now in Terrace. The scene and evidence have been secured.
Given that the matter is now under investigation by the IIO, no further information is being released by police at this time.