The Regina Police Service, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner, is continuing its investigation into an in-custody death that occurred this morning, May 23, 2013. A 37 year-old Regina male is deceased. His family has been notified of his death.
At 5:08 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2013, police were dispatched to 0-99 block of Nollet Avenue for a report of a sick or injured person. The caller described a male partially clothed, who was yelling and running around. Police were dispatched immediately and arrived on-scene at 5:14 a.m. They located a male, wearing only a shirt and underwear outside, near an apartment complex. The officers observed that the male appeared to be intoxicated by some means and not responding to their questions or directions. At 5:15 a.m., the officers requested EMS and also called for additional officers to attend. The male was taken into custody without difficulty and placed in handcuffs. When EMS arrived, he was placed on a stretcher and the handcuffs were removed. The male’s condition deteriorated as he was being transported to hospital and, at 6:13 a.m., he was pronounced deceased at hospital.
The Regina Police Service is conducting the investigation into this death, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner. The Coroner’s office has ordered an autopsy. Because the death occurred while the male was in police custody, an independent observer has been appointed by the Ministry of Corrections and Policing. Police have conducted numerous interviews with the police officers, neighbours and potential witnesses; everyone who had contact with the deceased will submit statement or be interviewed as part of the investigation. Anyone who may have information to offer in this investigation is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500.
The officers, who were part of the overnight shift, will return to duty this evening unless they feel they are not able to work tonight. A Critical Incident Stress debriefing has been arranged for the start of their shift this evening. The name of the deceased person will not be released at this time.
There are no other details for release at this time.