James Smith Cree Nation man dies in RCMP custody; SIRT launches investigation
The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) says the man died on April 28 after going into medical distress not long after being handcuffed.
Shortly before 8 a.m. on April 28, Melfort RCMP received calls reporting a man spraying bear mace within an occupied home on the James Smith Cree Nation. Three officers, along with community peacekeepers, responded and located the man inside the home.
According to SIRT, after a brief interaction, the man fled after he was informed he would be taken into custody under the Mental Health Services Act.
After a short pursuit, SIRT says he was taken into custody 'without the use of force,' however, shortly after being handcuffed, he went into medical distress.
Officers immediately contacted EMS and started providing first aid, including CPR and administering naloxone.
Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead shortly after paramedics arrived at the scene at around 9:43 a.m.
SIRT investigators will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man's arrest and the cause of his death.
The RCMP will maintain responsibility for investigating the original incident involving the discharge of bear spray.
A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
23 minutes ago
- CTV News
RCMP seek public's help in locating Halifax man wanted on arrest warrant
Halifax Regional RCMP says Edward James Schijns, 41, is believed to be in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Police in Halifax are looking for information on the whereabouts of a man wanted on a provincewide arrest warrant. Halifax Regional RCMP says Edward James Schijns, 41, is believed to be in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Police say Schijns is wanted and facing charges of: being at large on a release order failure to comply with condition (three counts) fraud The 41-year-old is originally from Halifax. He is described as five-foot-six and 123 pounds with blue eyes and is bald. Edward James Schijns Halifax Regional RCMP says Edward James Schijns, 41, is believed to be in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Edward James Schijns is asked to call police at 902-420-5020 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at or use the P3 Tips app. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
23 minutes ago
- CTV News
Suspect sought after woman assaulted in Victoria-area park: RCMP
A woman was approached by a man who appeared from the bushes in Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal at around 9 a.m. on Aug. 12, 2025. (CTV News) Mounties on Vancouver Island are searching for a suspect after a woman was reportedly assaulted on a trail in a regional park. A statement from the West Shore RCMP says the woman was approached by a man who appeared from the bushes in Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal at around 9 a.m. on Aug. 12. 'During this interaction, the male grabbed the woman,' according to the statement released Thursday. 'The woman did not sustain any physical injuries and was able to get away safely.' Investigators described the suspect as a white man between the ages of 50 and 60 years old. He stands approximately 6'2' tall with short and curly grey-blond hair and a slim build. At the time of the assault the suspect was wearing a green T-shirt, khaki pants, dark boots and dark socks, police said. 'The safety of community members at our parks is a priority,' said Cpl. Chris Joy with the West Shore RCMP's bike patrol unit. 'Although incidents like this are rare, they are concerning, and we ask that the public report suspicious activity right away so police can promptly respond.' Police are asking anyone with information about the suspect to contact investigators at 250-474-2264 or report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
RCMP seek to identify man suspected of setting fire at Nova Scotia Power station
RCMP are asking for the public's help to identify a man they believe deliberately set a fire at a Nova Scotia Power station in Fall River, N.S., on Wednesday. RCMP say first responders were called to a fire at the Nova Scotia Power station on Highway 2 at 3:48 p.m. AT. Their investigation found that a man used a torch to set ablaze several spools of wire, RCMP say, and a similar incident was also reported nearby shortly before. "The prospect of having a fire in the heavy populated area of Fall River would be devastating to our community, so please help police solve this crime," says a news release from Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers. The fire was quickly extinguished. The incident occurs as the province grapples with dry conditions and ongoing wildfires. A provincewide ban on setting fires is currently in place, as well as a ban prohibiting people from entering wooded areas. Fire crews have already been busy battling fires in various parts of the province. Firefighters are on the scene of active wildfires in Annapolis County, where evacuations are taking place. Another wildfire in the woods near the Bayers Lake Business Park in Halifax prompted evacuations, but is now being held, meaning it is unlikely to spread.
