Coroner's inquest set for Tasered B.C. man

August 13, 2009
Chilliwack Times

CHILLIWACK, B.C. — The Coroners Service of British Columbia has called an inquest into the 2007 death of a Chilliwack, B.C. man following an altercation with RCMP officers that involved a Taser.

Robert Thurston Knipstrom was reportedly in distress on Nov. 19, 2007. Police were called to a place of business to restrain him. In the process, they used a Taser, batons and pepper spray when making an arrest.

Knipstrom was sent to hospital for treatment of his injuries and was on life-support for several days before he died five days later.

In November 2008, the coroner's office said an investigation would probably be set for the spring of 2009. A spokesperson for the coroner said the delay was because of scheduling problems.

On Friday, the inquest was officially set for Nov. 16 to 20, 2009 in Burnaby, B.C. Presiding coroner Vincent Stancato and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding Knipstrom's death. The jury will be able to make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths under similar circumstances.

Inquests are mandatory following deaths in police custody.