An investigation into the death of Bradley Stephen Stadey, 52, while in police custody is continuing with the Regina Police Service Major Crimes Unit in charge of the proceedings.
Stadey, who came to Estevan from Ontario, died between 9 p.m. Dec. 19 and 9 a.m. Dec. 20 while in the detention area of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) headquarters in the 300 block of 11th Avenue.
Stadey had been arrested by members of the RCMP who responded to a disturbance call coming from a labour camp located near the east side of the city.
Sergeant Daryl Milo of the Estevan detachment of the RCMP, said the disturbance call included a possible assault situation and the uttering of threats. The incident also included alcohol, he said.
The complaint was lodged by another resident at the camp and Milo said the traditional response methods were followed as Stadey was taken into custody. RCMP members usually use the EPS cells to lodge suspects who they wish to detain overnight, so the "typical process was followed," he said.
But sometime during that evening and early morning of the next day, Stadey, who was of no fixed address, died.
EPS, in their original news release, noted that the man was found to be deceased shortly after 9 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 20.
Section 91.1 (1) of the Police Act requires that there be an independent observer appointed by the deputy minister of Justice and this observer shall have full access to the investigation. This is done in all cases where there is serious injury or death to a person who is in custody.
Estevan police Chief Del Block said he was informed that Larry Peters, a retired police officer, who was formerly employed by the Moose Jaw Police Service had been appointed as the independent observer and that the RCMP had assigned one person from their Major Crimes Unit to provide them with a liaison connection to the investigative team that was set up by the Regina Police Service.
An earlier release indicated that the deceased had just recently moved to Estevan in search of employment and had not firmly established a permanent residence.
"This is the first time, at least since 1906, that someone has died while in custody with the Estevan police," said Block, adding that information regarding Stadey and the incident were forwarded to Ontario Provincial Police who sought out his next-of-kin to inform them of his death.
As of Tuesday morning (Dec. 27) the investigation was ongoing with the major crimes unit of the Regina Police Service and the Chief Coroner's Office in charge.
"Naturally we are taking this matter seriously and the investigation will be carried out in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner," said Block.
The EPS chief added that there is a video surveillance camera in the detention area of the local police facility that monitors activities in the cells every minute and guards are assigned to conduct physical checks of those who are being held in the cells, every 15 minutes. He said he could not speculate as to what time and how Stadey died, since those are the details that will be revealed through the proper investigative channels.
