On Feb. 5, at about 7:10 p.m., the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) was called to a disturbance in the area of 60th Street and 35A Avenue. EPS members attended and located the 36-year-old man, who was the subject of the complaint. The man was arrested for public intoxication. A search of the man revealed a prohibited firearm. Following his arrest, the man was transported to EPS Southeast Division station and lodged in cells at about 7:48 p.m. Records indicate that the man was checked throughout the night.

On Feb. 6, at about 5:55 a.m., an officer opened the man’s cell to provide him a meal, and found him unresponsive in his cell. First aid was conducted and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called. Emergency measures were conducted until the man was pronounced dead by EMS at about 6:27 a.m. A small quantity of a substance was recovered from the man’s cell, which tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine and carfentanil.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest and his time in custody. With ASIRT’s investigation underway, no further information will be released at this time.

ASIRT

This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.