A man died on Friday in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).
Police say that the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded first to a “man in medical distress” on East Hastings Street near Columbia Street at 7:40 a.m. on March 20.
“Despite life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced deceased,” the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said in a statement.
Paramedics notified police shortly after, because they deemed his death to be suspicious.
“They attempted life-saving measures but the man was pronounced deceased, and because of the suspicious nature of his injuries, the paramedics called for the police. We attended, secured the scene, and later on, the VPD’s Homicide Unit was called,” Sgt. Adam Donaldson told 1130 NewsRadio.
The Homicide Unit is now investigating and is not providing more information at this time.
“I can’t get into the details of the nature of the injuries. That would be a very crucial piece of evidence in the investigation,” Donaldson said.
However, investigators are now asking witnesses to contact police at 604-717-2500.
“We believe someone out there may have seen something or someone out there might know something, and we really encourage them to come forward and be a witness and call the homicide unit, please,” Donaldson said.
He understands that people in the DTES are often less willing to speak with the police.
“We want to emphasize here that we understand that people in the Downtown Eastside are often very reluctant to come forward and speak to the police.”