ASIRT investigating in-custody death

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating an in-custody death that occurred earlier today inside a cell at Spyhill Services Centre.

On Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at approximately 6:40 a.m., we received multiple calls about a disturbance at a fast-food restaurant located in the 5200 block of 130 Avenue S.E. Upon arrival officers located a man who was acting erratically and was believed to be involved in the initial disturbance.

After identifying the man, officers learned he was wanted on outstanding warrants and transported him to the Spyhill Services Centre. A search of the man located a small amount of drugs, which were seized. The man was charged with outstanding warrants as well as resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance. He was then cleared by a medic at the Spyhill Services Centre, as is standard procedure, and placed in a holding cell.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., the man went into medical distress and officers immediately entered the cell. Despite significant lifesaving efforts, the man was pronounced deceased approximately 45 minutes later.

As is standard practice with a death in CPS custody, the Director of Law Enforcement was notified and ASIRT has been directed to investigate.

The Service has extensive systems and protocols already in place to ensure the care of arrestees, including medical clearance checks for every arrestee prior to being admitted into a cell, searches of individuals before being taken into custody, CCTV systems to monitor people in custody and regular cell checks.

As this is now an active ASIRT investigation, no further details will be released.