Man who died from Malakwa RCMP Taser had mental health challenges, family says
Salmon Arm ObserverNov 02, 2019
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His step-mom
In a Facebook post she lamented the negative comments about Donnelly posted online and the lack of support available to adults suffering from mental illness.
"For those who like to condemn and judge and leave nasty messages on Facebook, maybe think a bit how you feel if it was your own loved one," wrote Harrison.
"If I see one more comment, that he is a criminal and he deserved it I will scream. He is not a criminal he is a tortured soul, who was suffering from mental illness. This story is also about a wonderful family, that for over two years tried to get him help with success!"
According to police, officers responded to a call for an erratic driver on
After pursuing the vehicle for more than 20 kilometres, officers managed to stop the vehicle in Malakwa at approximately
As a result, police used a stun gun to arrest him, however he entered medical distress and was taken to hospital where he died on the evening of
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO), a civilian agency that investigates all police-officer related incidents that result in death or serious harm, is looking into the events which led up to the 38-year-old's death.
An autopsy will be conducted to try and determine what caused his death after he was taken into police custody.
He said the IIO is in the process of gathering evidence from the police vehicles involved, including GPS data and recordings of radio transmissions as well as video footage. He said the investigation is still in its early stages.
The IIO did not release the man's name citing privacy legislation.
Along with the IIO, the BC Coroners Service is also investigating
Donnelly's step-mom asked anyone who witnessed anything that might help the Independent Investigations Office unravel the events of his death to contact them at 1-855-446-8477.
"Whatever the truth is it is, we just want to know," the post concludes.
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