Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a 37-year-old man died while in custody at the Turtleford RCMP detachment.
SIRT says RCMP officers went to a residence on Thunderchild First Nation shortly after noon on July 29 to arrest the man, who was wanted in connection with several break-and-enter offences.
After an occupant refused to allow police inside, RCMP obtained judicial authorization to enter the home. Officers located the man hiding inside and arrested him without incident at approximately 1:03 p.m.
The man was transported to the Turtleford detachment, searched and booked into custody before being placed in a cell shortly after 1:30 p.m.
SIRT says guard staff later notified officers that the man appeared to be in medical distress. RCMP members entered the cell shortly before 3 p.m., administered naloxone and began first aid while emergency medical services were called.
Local medical staff arrived first and assisted with his care until paramedics reached the detachment. Resuscitation attempts continued until the man was pronounced dead at approximately 4:01 p.m.
SIRT has deployed two investigators to Turtleford and says a community liaison will also be appointed. The investigation will examine police conduct and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
RCMP will remain responsible for investigating the offences that led to the man’s arrest. SIRT says a final public report will be issued within 90 days of its investigation ending.