The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is being called in after an in-custody death in Lloydminster.
Around 5 AM on May 7th, the Lloydminster RCMP says officers were called to a home in the 52 Avenue and 35 street area. 911 had been called with a report that a man was allegedly intoxicated at the rear deck of a home with a machete in hand.
When on the scene, the RCMP states, officers also allegedly observed the 26-year-old man to be agitated, intoxicated and holding the machete. A struggle between two officers and the suspect occurred, with a third officer also stepping in.
The suspect was eventually taken into custody on the scene, where the RCMP says he began showing signs of medical distress. The officers and EMS provided medical assistance, the RCMP statement notes, but the suspect passed away on scene.
Both an ASIRT investigation and the RCMP’s internal review process have begun now. ASIRT will look into the conduct of the involved officers. The RCMP review will examine RCMP training, policy, police response, and the member’s duty status.
The investigation into the allegations against the suspect will continue by the Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section.
Two officers also sustained minor injuries in this incident, requiring them to be treated at the hospital.