VANCOUVER - The civilian agency that investigates police in British Columbia is examining a case in Vancouver where a man was seriously hurt when an officer's stun gun sparked a fire.
A statement from the Independent Investigations Office says it happened on Oct. 6, in a busy pedestrian area along the downtown Vancouver waterfront.
The statement says officers responded to complaints of a man spitting at a couple and trying to touch several women.
A suspect was located and investigators say a conducted energy weapon was used when the man attempted to fight with police, but the electrical charge ignited a flammable item he was carrying.
The office says the man was treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses and say they are now working to determine what role, if any, the officers' actions or inaction may have played in the case.