SIRT clears Melfort RCMP in James Smith Cree Nation death

An investigation by Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has cleared members of the Melfort RCMP in the case of an in-custody death last year.

The 29-year-old man died following his arrest by RCMP officers on James Smith Cree Nation.

According to the RCMP, Mounties from the Melfort detachment received a report saying a man had discharged bear spray inside a home on the Cree Nation just before 8 a.m. on April 27.

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“When officers arrived, the adult male fled from the residence on foot. Officers followed the adult male on foot to the backyard of the residence and placed him under arrest,” the Saskatchewan RCMP said in a statement at the time.

“Immediately after his arrest, the adult male went into medical distress in the backyard. Officers immediately called EMS, administered naloxone multiple times, and provided CPR until EMS arrived.”

The 29-year-old man was declared dead at the scene by paramedics, police said, and his family was notified.

“SIRT is called to investigate when someone dies or is seriously injured while in police custody or as a result of a police officer’s actions. SIRT also investigates allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police officers,” according to the agency’s website.

The report by SIRT stated, “A review of the completed investigation establishes that prior to the arrest of the affected person, the involved police officers engaged in a prolonged attempt to peacefully arrange for him to accompany them to receive mental health services which, on the basis of the affected person’s statements, were unquestionably warranted.”

The report also noted that the man was under the influence of drugs and received several doses of naloxone.

After he was handcuffed, he began exhibiting signs of medical distress. Officers removed his handcuffs and administered first aid and CPR.

“The response by the involved police officers can be said to be both timely and appropriate,” the report said.

The report also stated that any negligence-based Criminal Code offences “would require that evidence establish that the involved police officers demonstrated a wanton or reckless disregard for the life or safety of the affected person. In this case, the evidence falls far short of demonstrating such a departure.”

The report concluded there are “no grounds to believe an offence was committed by any police officer.”