ASIRT to investigate death in Calgary police custody

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) will investigate an in-custody death that occurred Friday inside a cell at the Spyhill Services Centre in Calgary.

The incident began at around 6:40 a.m., when police received multiple calls about a disturbance at a fast-food restaurant located in the 5200 block of 130th Avenue SE.

Police located a man who they say was acting erratically and after learning he was wanted on outstanding warrants, he was arrested and and transported to the Spyhill facility.

When the man was searched, police discovered a small amount of drugs, which were seized.The man was charged with outstanding warrants as well as resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance.

After charges were laid, police say the man was cleared by a medic and placed in a holding cell.

Late Friday afternoon, the man went into medical distress and police say that,despite significant lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead approximately 45 minutes later.

As is standard practice with a death in CPS custody, ASIRT has been directed to investigate.