The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the death of a man in police custody at the High Prairie RCMP detachment on June 16.
The man, who had an outstanding warrant, voluntarily turned himself in to police on June 14 and was arrested without incident. Approximately 30 hours later, a civilian guard found him unresponsive in a holding cell.
Police and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
ASIRT Investigation Ordered
The Police Review Commission directed ASIRT to investigate the incident as a Level 1 matter under the province's Police Act, which applies to cases involving serious injury or death, or serious concerns about an officer's actions.
An autopsy has been completed, and investigators will review the findings.
Previous Incidents at High Prairie Cells
This is not the first time ASIRT has investigated a death or serious incident at the High Prairie detachment. In 2022, ASIRT examined the case of a man who suffered a near-fatal ketoacidosis episode after a three-day incarceration. The investigation found that officers knew the man had diabetes but failed to provide him with necessary medication due to a series of communication failures. ASIRT concluded there was no criminal liability but that officers failed to provide the necessities of life.
The current investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the man's death and whether any officer actions contributed to the tragedy.
