UPDATE:
Prince Rupert RCMP are now seeking witnesses to an incident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian pulling two children in a wagon that may be linked to the death of a 23-month-old infant.
The incident took place on April 15 between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. near the intersection of 7th Ave. East and Frederick Street. Police are also looking for a resident who stopped their vehicle to assist at the scene.
Police were called to a home in the 1800 block of 6th Avenue East with regards to an unresponsive infant at 10:55 a.m. on April 16. Upon arrival at the scene paramedics were administering medical treatment to the 23 month old infant who was transported to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Cst. Matt Ericson said identifying the cyclist or the resident could lead to more clarity on what caused the death of the child.
"As we are in the onset of this investigation, it is far too early to speculate as to the circumstances that led to the death of this child," he said.
Anyone that may have information regarding this incident to contact the Prince Rupert RCMP Detachment at 250-627-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Please remember that Crime Stoppers pays cash for information that leads to an arrest.
ORIGINAL:
RCMP are conducting an investigation into a suspicious death of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy on Tuesday.
"We are in the primary stages and this investigation is ongoing," Constable Lesley Smith of the North District RCMP said. "The RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Office are looking into this tragic incident and there are no other details at this time."
Conflicting reports by family members say that the youth was struck in a hit-and-run incident either by a bike or a green van while being towed by his stepfather in a wagon and later died of unknown injuries at the residence located at 1836-6th Ave. East.
However, Const. Smith said RCMP are not currently searching for a bike or a green van.
"[RCMP] were called to the residence," she said. "[A search for a hit-and-run vehicle] not to my knowledge."
She did confirm that as of noon Wednesday there was no one in custody.
"The family is really upset," the family member said. "They've sent [the child] out for an autopsy to find out why he died… whether it was internal or his head."
The boy would have turned two in June.
Smith would not comment on whether charges may be pending.
Check back for updates as they happen.
-with files from Martina Perry