The Independent Investigations Office has been brought in to investigate the circumstances around the suspicious death of a woman late Saturday night.
"The initial focus of the IIO investigation will be to determine if there is a connection between the death of the female and actions or inactions of officers," the civilian watchdog said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
In its own statement, B.C. RCMP said Prince George RCMP were called to a disturbance at an 1100-block Alward Street home shortly after 10 p.m.
"Police responded and located one individual believed to be associated with the complaint, however were unable to locate a possible female victim," B.C. RCMP said. "Efforts were then taken by the Prince George RCMP to search for this individual."
About 20 minutes later, police were told a woman was found in medical distress in the same area and attended the scene along with ambulance personnel. She was taken to hospital but died.
The detachment's serious crime section was subsequently called in. No arrests have yet been made.
"Due to the sensitivity and what is known at this preliminary stage of the investigation, questions surfaced about a possible and yet to be confirmed connection to the initial police attendance and-or action taken," B.C. RCMP said.
The IIO was notified on Tuesday and "and they have asserted jurisdiction."
"It is recognized that this is a unique situation and limited information can be released at this time," B.C. RCMP said. "However by having the two agencies and their investigators in place at the earliest possible opportunity of the active and ongoing investigation [it] allows both agencies to determine what investigative findings are relevant to their specific mandates as soon as possible," B.C. RCMP added.
The IIO, which investigates police-related incidents of death or serious harm, said it will not provide any further information or updates at this time.
Any potential witnesses are asked to call the IIO info line at 1-855-446-8477.
