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Inquest set into police shooting death in Qualicum Beach

Aaron Lee Prince was shot by police after a struggle on the Inland Island Highway in 2017
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The incident began when Oceanside RCMP were called to assist paramedics attending to a man reported to have stabbed himself while inside a vehicle in Qualicum Beach. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A coroner’s inquest into the death of a man shot by police in Qualicum Beach in 2017 has been set for Nov. 7.

The inquest into the death of Aaron Lee Prince, 35, who grew up in Port Alberni and Parksville, will take place at the Nanaimo courthouse.

The death was reported to the B.C. Coroners Service on Oct. 12, 2017.

At about 6:30 a.m. on that day, Oceanside RCMP were called to assist paramedics attending to a man reported to have stabbed himself while inside a vehicle in Qualicum Beach.

Police were advised that the man was running down the Inland Island Highway.

Officers arrived and a struggle ensued before Prince was shot by police.

Paramedics provided medical assistance but he died.

The notice of inquest said inquests are mandatory “for any deaths that occur while a person was detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.”

The jury at an inquest does not make findings of legal responsibility, but can make recommendations intended to prevent deaths under similar circumstances.

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