On Nov. 3, at 11:26 p.m., EPS received a report of a break and enter in progress at a business in downtown Edmonton. Officers went to Jasper Avenue between 104 and 105 streets, where they located a jaywalking man who appeared to be intoxicated.

Officers approached the man and began directing him. The man sat on the ground and was handcuffed behind his back. At 11:33 p.m., the officers lifted him to his feet and walked him over to the patrol wagon. Noting his level of intoxication, at 11:37 p.m. the officers requested that emergency medical services (EMS) attend their location.

Once he was inside the back of the patrol wagon, the man began kicking his legs. The officers attempted to gain control of his legs but, before they could, the man became unresponsive. The officers removed the man from the patrol wagon, removed his handcuffs, and began providing medical aid.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and then EMS arrived shortly after and took over lifesaving efforts. The man was transported to hospital, where he was unfortunately pronounced deceased at 12:21 a.m. on Nov. 4.

Video reviewed after the incident showed that the man was not involved in the break and enter.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the arrest and any use of force. No additional information will be released.

As part of its ongoing investigation, ASIRT is continuing efforts to identify people who may have witnessed aspects of the confrontation between the man and police. ASIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have witnessed these events and/or may have video to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.