'Untimely and tragic': Calgary police cleared of wrongdoing in in-custody death
Alberta's police watchdog has cleared the Calgary Police Service (CPS) of any wrongdoing in their dealings with a man who died in custody in a cell at the Spyhill Services Centre.
The death happened almost two years ago, after the suspect was taken into custody from the Marlborough CTrain Station on Oct. 23, 2020.
Police had been called to the area over concerns of a man with a weapon.
At the time, police said the man was arrested without incident, charged, checked by a medic and placed in a cell.
During a routine check of the cells at 8 p.m., police observed the man eating his meal.
During the next check he was found unresponsive.
Police said though life-saving efforts were taken, the man was pronounced dead at around 8:40 p.m.
ASIRT INVESTIGATION SHEDS LIGHT ON DEATH
On Monday, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) released the results of an investigation into the death.
According to ASIRT, when arrested, the man was in possession of an airsoft pistol, slingshot and alcohol.
Computer checks revealed he was on probation, with one of the conditions of his release that he was prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol.
The arrest was captured on body-worn cameras and ASIRT confirmed the man was cooperative when taken into custody and that no force was used.
ASIRT says video recordings of the man while he was in custody show him eating a sandwich he had been provided but also ingesting something else he appeared to be keeping palm of his hand.
"The (man) is then observed apparently discarding something into the toilet and flushing it," reads the ASIRT report.
An autopsy report later concluded the man's death was caused by ethanol, fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.
ASIRT concluded that the man "never presented as being in any form of medical distress" during his dealings with officers and CPS staff.
"He had been medically cleared for entry into (the arrest processing section) at the time he was brought there," ASIRT said.
ASIRT concluded that while the man's death was "untimely and tragic," there were "no reasonable grounds nor any reasonable suspicion to believe that officers committed an offence."
MEDIC RAISES CONCERNS
ASIRT noted that during its investigation, a medic within the arrest processing section had raised concerns with the way in which he felt the responding EMS had handled things.
"He was of the opinion that they did not provide the level of treatment one would expect given how (the man) was presenting."
ASIRT contacted the Alberta Health Service's (AHS) investigations unit and provided them with details of the concerns raised.
"It was left with AHS to determine whether to commence an investigation into the reported actions of the attending EMS members," said ASIRT.
In a statement provided to CTV News, AHS said they received information earlier this year regarding the "alleged conduct of two AHS paramedics" and "immediately conducted a full review and investigation."
"There was found to be no evidence of any professional misconduct nor improper patient treatment on the part of the AHS paramedics.
"The investigation is closed."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.