Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s police oversight agency has launched an investigation into the death of a 54-year-old man who died three days after being arrested by Edmonton police in northwest Edmonton.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) confirmed the investigation on October 8, saying the man died on September 19 after being taken to hospital in serious condition following the September 16 incident.
According to the preliminary information released by investigators, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers received several calls shortly after 7:30 p.m. on September 16 about a man behaving erratically near Rapperswill Drive and 173A Avenue. Callers alleged that he was attempting to enter homes and damaging vehicles in the area.
An officer arrived at the scene within minutes and instructed the man to lie on the ground before handcuffing him. The initial arrest was completed without incident, according to the release.
However, the situation changed when the man began struggling while lying on the ground. Bystanders reportedly assisted the officer in restraining his legs as the officer requested paramedic support. Additional police units reached the location within approximately one minute.
The man lost consciousness within five minutes of the struggle, prompting officers to assess his condition. An off-duty nurse who was present at the scene also intervened and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Paramedics subsequently transported the man to hospital in serious condition. He died three days later, on September 19.
ASIRT said the information released so far reflects the findings available at this early stage of the investigation. The agency noted that further details may be limited to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the events leading to the man’s death.
ASIRT operates under the Police Review Commission, an independent, civilian-led oversight agency. It investigates potential criminal offences involving police officers across Alberta, including incidents in which police actions may have resulted in serious injury or death.
