Man Dies In Custody

Members of the Vernon Detachment attended to a male in distress on the Okanagan Indian Band Reservation # 1 during the early morning hours of May 19th, 2006.

Police were in the area at the time and upon arrival found Jay Douglas LOUIS, 35 out of control and with apparent self inflicted knife wounds. One police officer dealt with LOUIS while the second ensured the two children in the residence were not at risk.

Police confirmed that ambulance crews were enroute. LOUIS was acting in an erratic, violent manner. At the time police believed he was in a drug induced state. LOUIS was detained and handcuffed to ensure he did not further harm himself or others.

B.C. Ambulance arrived on scene and transported LOUIS to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Given the fact that LOUIS was in police custody just prior to his death, the Southeast District Major Crime Unit out of Kelowna has initiated an independent investigation. That investigation continues.