In-custody death of man at Saskatchewan RCMP detachment prompts watchdog probe

A 37-year-old man has died while in RCMP custody at the Turtleford detachment in Saskatchewan, prompting an investigation by the provincial Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT).

The man was arrested without incident earlier on Wednesday after police executed a search warrant at a residence on Thunderchild First Nation. He was taken to the Turtleford RCMP detachment cells around 1:30 p.m.

Approximately 90 minutes later, around 3 p.m., police reported that the man experienced medical distress while in custody. Mounties provided immediate medical aid, and medical professionals were contacted and attended the scene. Despite their efforts, the man was declared dead at the RCMP station.

Police have confirmed that the man's family has been notified of his death. As per protocol, the Saskatchewan SIRT is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the details of the man's death in custody.