Police watchdog releases details on man's death during Calgary arrest last week
Alberta's Serious Incident Response Team said the man, arrested for alleged break-and-enter in Abbeydale, became unresponsive after officers used conducted energy weapons during the arrest on July 11.
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Alberta's Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) released details Friday about the death of a man in Calgary police custody following an arrest in the Abbeydale neighbourhood on July 11.
At approximately 9 p.m. on July 11, police responded to reports of a man entering yards and "behaving unusually," according to ASIRT. Shortly before 9:30 p.m., police received a report that the man had entered a home and attempted to stab someone inside.
Oficers located a man believed to be connected to the reports in the community. During the arrest, police used conducted energy weapons, and the man fell into a side yard between a garage and a fence. Officers then took the man into custody and moved him into a nearby backyard to assess his condition. The man was conscious and speaking, and briefly struggled against the handcuffs.
Police called emergency medical services. Shortly after, the man became unresponsive. Officers began CPR before paramedics arrived and transported the man to hospital, where he died.
The Police Review Commission has directed ASIRT to investigate the incident as a Level 1 matter under the Police Act, a classification that refers to incidents involving serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations involving police actions.
The facts
What happened during the arrest in Calgary on July 11?
During an arrest in Calgary's Abbeydale neighbourhood on July 11, police used conducted energy weapons on a man suspected of entering a home and attempting to stab someone. The man fell into a side yard, was handcuffed, and shortly after became unresponsive.
Where did the man die?
The man died at a hospital in Calgary after being transported by paramedics following his collapse during the arrest.
Why is ASIRT investigating this incident?
The Police Review Commission directed ASIRT to investigate as a Level 1 matter under the Police Act, a classification for incidents involving serious injury or death and serious or sensitive allegations involving police actions.
