SASKATOON — Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime Section, plus two independent observers, are investigating after a man was found deceased in the detention unit of the Saskatoon Police Service early Thursday morning.
According to SPS, patrol members responded to a report of an intoxicated male who had fallen in the 1400 block of 8th Street East at approximately 9 p.m., April 20. Medavie Health Services West attended to the scene to assess the individual while police tried to secure alternative arrangements to house the man but were unsuccessful. As a result, the 51-year-old was transported to SPS detention where he was assessed again by the on-duty paramedic, taken to a cell, and checked on regularly by detention staff.
SPS says that at approximately 1:20 a.m. Thursday morning, the man was found unresponsive. Emergency medical attention was provided but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for April 22.
The SPS has notified the province, which has appointed two independent investigative observers.
Paramedics, funded by the Action Accord, were engaged by SPS in 2011. Their coverage in SPS detention was extended from nights to full-time, 24/7 coverage in 2016 following the last in-custody death in SPS detention.
