Ponoka RCMP were called to assist EMS staff with an intoxicated, injured 59-year-old man, says the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.
The man refused medical attention last Wednesday, but after some discussion, he was taken to Red Deer hospital, where he was examined by staff who conducted a CT scan and later released him.
Thursday, at about 10:53 p.m., RCMP received a disturbance complaint regarding an intoxicated male in the area of 46th Avenue and 55th Street in Ponoka.
Upon arriving at the scene, RCMP discovered the same man from the previous day lying on the ground. The man had been drinking and was exhibiting signs of intoxication.
He was taken, without incident, into custody for being intoxicated in a public place, and put in a cell at the Ponoka RCMP detachment.
The next morning, at about 5:51 a.m., the man fell in his cell. He was checked and was responsive to staff.
At about 7 a.m., when the man failed to wake up, staff entered his cell, but he remained unresponsive, according to authorities.
Staff provided emergency medical care until EMS arrived to take over and take the man to Red Deer hospital.
It is believed the man had, at some point, sustained a significant head injury, say officials. He was admitted to hospital in critical condition. At about 9 p.m., he was pronounced dead.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team’s investigation will focus on the police contact with the man, including during his detention in custody.
ASIRT’s mandate is to investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
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