The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating the death of a 37-year-old man who experienced medical distress while being held in cells at the Turtleford RCMP detachment.
According to Saskatchewan RCMP, officers executed a warrant at a home on Thunderchild First Nation on July 29 as part of an ongoing investigation. The 37-year-old man was arrested without incident and transported to cells at the Turtleford detachment at approximately 1:30 p.m.
RCMP said the man experienced medical distress while in custody at around 3:00 p.m. Officers immediately provided medical assistance and contacted emergency medical professionals, who came to the detachment. Despite those efforts, the man was pronounced deceased while at the detachment.
Police have confirmed the man’s family has been notified of his death.
As required under Saskatchewan’s Police Act, the RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team of the in-custody death. SIRT has determined the incident falls within its mandate and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
The RCMP said no further information will be released while the independent investigation is underway.
SIRT is an independent civilian-led agency responsible for investigating incidents involving police in Saskatchewan that result in serious injury, death, allegations of sexual assault, or other matters of public concern.
