Saskatoon police, family dispute imitation firearm claim after fatal hospital altercation

A Saskatoon family is demanding answers after a man died at Royal University Hospital in an altercation with security. Laura Woodward explains.

The family of a man who died during an altercation with hospital security in Saskatoon are disputing whether an imitation firearm was in the room.

Saskatoon police claim that an imitation firearm, along with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, was found in the hospital room where 36-year-old Trevor Dubois died on Jan. 9.

During a Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) news conference on Monday, members of Dubois’ family said the “firearm” was a cigarette holder and lighter in pink and yellow colours.

Shortly after 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, police officers responded to the 100 block of Hospital Drive after it was reported that a person was dead at Royal University Hospital.

An initial investigation by Saskatoon police determined that hospital security officers entered a patient’s room after a firearm was reportedly seen inside.

When security attempted to restrain the man, a “physical altercation” took place.

During the interaction, the man became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.

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The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) had previously disclosed the incident on Jan. 9, launching an internal review and declaring the matter a “critical incident.”

In an update on Monday, the SHA released a statement, extending its condolences to the Dubois family. According to the health authority, any time force is used by protective services officers, a use-of-force review is required.

“To support impartiality, the SHA is engaging a third-party contractor to conduct this review,” the update read.

Additionally, the security officer involved in the incident has been suspended, “pending the outcome of this review and a related labour relations investigation,” according to the health authority.

Both the investigations by the SHA and police are considered ongoing.

“At this time, and out of respect for the investigative processes and those involved, we are not able to provide further details related to the circumstances of the incident,” the update read.

• RELATED STORY: Patient dies at Saskatoon hospital following clash with security guards

With files from The Canadian Press

More details to come...