Saskatchewan’s police watchdog is sharing details into an RCMP in-custody death it’s investigating. On July 29, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified by RCMP about an in-custody death at the Turtleford RCMP detachment. The civilian executive director directed an investigation into the death, and two SIRT investigators were sent to Turtleford. The investigation comes after police executed a warrant at a home on Thunderchild First Nation July 29 to arrest a 37-year-old man wanted in relation to several break-and-enter offences. Another person at the home said the man wasn’t there and didn’t allow RCMP to enter. RCMP sought a judicial authorization to enter the home to arrest the man, which was granted. Officers entered and found the man hiding inside. The man was arrested and taken to an RCMP vehicle before being driven to the detachment. SIRT says the investigation shows while the man was inside a cell, RCMP members were told by guard staff he appeared to be in medical distress. RCMP members gave the man Naloxone and EMS was contacted while RCMP members administered first aid. EMS treated the man for about 30 minutes before he was declared dead. A community liaison will be appointed to the case. SIRT will examine conduct of police during this incident, as well as circumstances surrounding the man’s death. RCMP remain responsible for investigating the offences originally bringing the man into custody. SIRT says a final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending. SIRT is an independent, civilian-led unit responsible for investigating serious incidents involving police, including in-custody deaths or serious injuries. Turtleford is located about 230 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.
