Alberta police watchdog to investigate in-custody death in Fort McMurray
Man went into medical distress during attempted arrest near gas station
Alberta's police watchdog is investigating after a man died last month in the custody of RCMP in Fort McMurray.
In a statement Thursday, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team said it has been directed to investigate after a man died on April 30 during an attempted arrest by Wood Buffalo RCMP officers.
According to ASIRT, police had been called to respond to reports of an intoxicated male in the area of a gas station in the Abasand neighbourhood when a struggle ensued between two officers and the man.
After being handcuffed, the man went into medical distress. He was brought to hospital where he was declared dead.
Fort McMurray is about 430 kilometres north of Edmonton.
ASIRT investigators said a review of security camera footage and video captured by RCMP vehicles at the scene indicate that the attempted arrest was witnessed by multiple people, including some who appear to be videotaping the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the event, or took video of it, are asked to contact ASIRT.
According to a May 1 RCMP news release, police were dispatched to the area of Athabasca Avenue and Abasand Drive at about 4:15 p.m. following reports of man causing a disturbance at a liquor store and outside of a nearby daycare.
Officers responded and spoke with the man, but he refused to leave and then resisted arrest, police said.
Police attempted life-saving measures before the man was taken to hospital.
ASIRT's investigation will examine the actions of the arresting officers.
