Inquest launched into RCMP Deep Cove shooting

The B.C. Coroners Service will hold a public inquest into the death of an emotionally-troubled man who was shot by an RCMP officer in Deep Cove in January, now that a police investigation has wrapped up.

The independent investigation by the Vancouver police, which wrapped up on Tuesday, determined that the RCMP officer was in the lawful execution of his duty  when he fired at Matthew John Wilcox, 39,  on Jan. 10.

The Vancouver Police Department did not recommend any charges against the North Vancouver officer, and has submitted its final report to the B.C. Coroners Service and the RCMP, which will submit it to the force's Commission for Public Complaints.

Wilcox was a Vancouver animation artist with a history of emotional problems. He was shot in Deep Cove after allegedly striking several other vehicles during a police car chase.

At the time witnesses said Wilcox refused to comply with police instructions after colliding with an RCMP cruiser, and he dared police to shoot him.

Wilcox's injuries from the shooting were described as non-life-threatening and he was expected to make a full recovery but died in hospital after an apparent heart attack.