Jurors at Saskatoon inquest call on police to review arrest policies, use of 'spit socks'

CBC

13-06-2025

Jurors at a Saskatoon inquest said police should review their training, policies and procedures around subduing and arresting suspects.
The recommendations concluded a four-day inquest before coroner William Davern into the June 18, 2022, death of Ashwin Poggenpoel. The 32-year-old died when officers pinned him face-down on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back and a mesh bag, known as a "spit sock," over his head.
Davern told the inquest panel Thursday that Poggenpoel died accidentally.
"I cannot say on a balance of probabilities that officers intended to harm or cause the death of Mr. Poggenpoel," Davern said.
"In the absence of intent, the only conclusion is an accident."
Officers were called to an apartment building near City Hospital for a report of a man in distress. The first to arrive decided the man needed medical attention and called an ambulance. At that point, Poggenpoel was simply standing with the officers and had not been arrested, Davern said.
Poggenpoel's autopsy later showed that he had methamphetamine and cocaine in his system. It also determined he died of "positional asphyxia," which happens when a person's body position prevents adequate breathing.
The 32-year-old bolted from police before paramedics arrived and ran a block to Queen Street. There, he broke into a house. Police said they were concerned at that point he would hurt himself, or someone in the house.
Police caught up and then began trying to subdue Poggenpoel. Davern said Poggenpoel was in a state of "excited delerium."
"A struggle ensued and they handcuffed him, put on a spit sock and held him down … all the while calling for help to sedate him."
Officers testified that Poggenpoel continued bucking and struggling, which they interpreted as resisting. Davern said that Poggenpoel was likely confused and panicking, struggling because he could not breathe.
He stopped struggling after three to four minutes, "unfortunately because he had stopped breathing," Davern said.
The inquest recommendations included:
The Saskatchewan Police College review its curriculum and implement training on positional asphyxia.
Saskatoon police review its use of force policy to ensure the vital signs of a suspect in a state of "excited delirium" are actively monitored.
Saskatoon police annually train all officers on the risks of positional asphyxia.
The use of force policy be reviewed with regard to whether spit socks ought to be used when a person is in the prone position.
Saskatoon police reviews its use of force policy in regards to the risks associated with positional asphyxia.
Saskatoon police declined an interview request from CBC, instead supplying a written response.
"The Saskatoon Police Service has received the recommendations of the jury following the inquest into the death of Ashwin Poggenpoel and will undertake a period of review of our policies and procedures in relation to those recommendations," communications director Alyson Edwards wrote.