Saskatchewan’s independent police oversight body is investigating after a 37-year-old man died while in RCMP custody at the Turtleford detachment on July 29.
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According to police, officers executed a warrant at a residence on the Thunderchild First Nation on July 29 as part of an ongoing investigation. The man was arrested without incident and transported to holding cells at the Turtleford detachment at about 1:30 p.m.
At about 3 p.m., the man experienced medical distress while inside his cell. RCMP officers administered immediate medical assistance and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene.
Despite resuscitation efforts, the man was declared dead at the detachment.
Police say the man’s family has been notified of his death. His name has not been released.
In accordance with The Police Act, 1990, the Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). The civilian-led oversight agency confirmed the incident falls under its mandate and has assumed control of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
RCMP stated they cannot release further details while the SIRT investigation is underway.
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