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Alberta RCMP investigating in-custody death in downtown Yellowknife

RCMP say a man died while in police custody on Wednesday in downtown Yellowknife. Shortly after officers arrested the man, who appeared to be intoxicated, RCMP say he began showing signs of medical distress.

Officers detained man on 50th Street, who shortly after showed signs of medical distress, RCMP say

Police tape can be seen on a snowy street with a police truck and other vehicles blocking the road.
RCMP say a man died while in police custody on Wednesday on 50th Street in downtown Yellowknife. (Erich Briehl/CBC)

RCMP say a man died while in police custody on Wednesday in downtown Yellowknife, and Alberta RCMP are investigating the incident.

In a news release Thursday, RCMP say they received a report of a disturbance at a business on 50th Street around 4 p.m.

When officers arrived, they detained the man who was "displaying signs of intoxication," the release said.

Shortly after, he began showing signs of medical distress. 

"Officers and paramedics performed lifesaving efforts, however were unsuccessful and the man was declared deceased at the scene," the release said.

The statement says Alberta RCMP will be investigating the matter in partnership with the coroner's officer. It's standard procedure for an external agency to investigate deaths that happen in police custody.