Necessary care was given to the man who died in police custody in Calgary: ASIRT

An investigation into the death of a man in police custody in Calgary earlier this month has concluded that officers did not contribute to his death and that he was properly cared for.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has released a report on its investigation into the incident that occurred on October 18.

Police were called to a McDonald’s restaurant located at 5222 130th Avenue SE Calgary on a report of a disturbance.

When an officer arrived at the scene, he found the man “acting erratically.” After a brief struggle, the man “refused to comply with orders” and was arrested, according to the report.

He was eventually handcuffed and taken into custody. Police conducted a comprehensive search on the man, but no concerns were found. He was later evaluated by EMS and medically cleared.

ASIRT said the man had criminal warrants for his arrest, including for drug possession.

He was then taken to the Calgary Police Service’s Apprehension Operations Section (APS). After a second search, a small baggie filled with a green substance believed to be heroin or fentanyl was located, ASIRT said.

A strip search was later conducted and nothing else was found. ASIRT said the man told the paramedic at the scene that he had used methamphetamine and fentanyl in the past six hours.

The man was then taken to the cell at around 8.30am.

ASIRT reviewed APS records as part of its investigation and noted security checks were carried out on the man at regular intervals in accordance with policy.

ASIRT also reviewed CCTV video of the cell where the man was found.

“At around 3.44pm, the man is seen sitting on the toilet and reaching between his legs, appearing to pick up something and immediately putting his hand over his mouth. He then flushes and exits the toilet and lies on the bench,” said ASIRT.

At 16.33, it was observed that the man had difficulty breathing and lost consciousness two minutes later.

Two officers entered the cell and began checking to see if the man responded. The APS doctor arrived, checked for a pulse, and left the cell to retrieve medical equipment. ASIRT said a CPS officer, formerly a paramedic, began CPR.

The doctor returned with his belongings at 16.39. An automatic external defibrillator was administered and the man was given oxygen. Emergency services later arrived and began medical treatment, but pronounced the man dead at 5:31 p.m.

An autopsy was performed on the man on October 21, and the examiner found no apparent cause of death.

“The medical examiner is awaiting further toxicology and other information to determine the cause of death,” ASIRT said.

“However, there is no evidence that it caused or contributed to the death of any officer. “Furthermore, all the evidence supports that the man was appropriately cared for while in custody.”

ASIRT noted that no officers were identified as subjects and the investigation is now closed.