Investigation begun after man dies in Carlyle RCMP cells

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating after a man died in Carlyle RCMP cells just hours after being arrested on Friday.

Saskatchewan RCMP said in a news release that police had been called to a home on White Bear First Nation around 12:20 am on Dec. 13 and found two injured people who were both taken to hospital — a man with serious injuries and a woman with non-life-threatening injuries.

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A 49-year-old man from White Bear First Nation was arrested without incident and was taken to the Carlyle Detachment cells. Police said he was monitored by staff throughout the night.

He was found in medical distress around 9 a.m. and was given first aid until paramedics arrived, when he was declared dead.

The man’s family has been notified, RCMP said.

SIRT will investigate the Saskatchewan RCMP’s interaction with the dead man and the circumstances of his death, and the Carlyle Detachment is conducting a separate investigation into the original report of the assault.

SIRT is a civilian-led, independent body that investigates incidents where a person has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.

Final reports into SIRT investigations are issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

Read more:

• Wanted Swift Current man arrested on multiple robbery, assault, firearms charges
• Cries of racism fill courtroom as judge stays impaired driving charge in Saskatoon
• Five SPS officers suspended with pay following off duty “incident”