IIO investigating death of man in custody of Prince George RCMP

B.C.''s the Independent Investigations Office is looking into the death of a 35-year-old man in police custody on Prince George earlier this week.

In a release, the IIO says the case stems from an arrest Prince George RCMP made late on July 18.

A police officer responded to calls about a man allegedly casing vehicles in a parking lot on the 1000 block of Central Street West around 10:30 p.m.

A suspect spotted by the officer attempted to flee on a bicycle and a struggle allegedly ensued.

When several officers arrived on the scene pepper spray was used on the suspect and he was put in the back of a police car.

The man then appeared to have trouble breathing and an ambulance was called. He collapsed when taken out of the police car, and was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after midnight.

The IIO will look into "whether there is a connection between the man's death and the actions of police."