SIRT releases timeline in Turtleford RCMP in-custody death

Aug 7, 2026 | 11:14 AM

Saskatchewan’s police watchdog has released more details about the death of a 37-year-old man who went into medical distress while in custody at the Turtleford RCMP detachment.

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) said RCMP officers went to a home on Thunderchild First Nation shortly before 12:30 p.m. on July 29 to arrest the man, who was wanted in connection with several break-and-enter offences.

SIRT said another occupant told police the man was not inside and refused to allow officers to search the residence. RCMP then obtained judicial authorization to enter anyway. Officers entered the home at about 1 p.m., found the man hiding inside and arrested him without incident at about 1:03 p.m.

The man was taken to the Turtleford detachment, where he arrived at about 1:28 p.m. He was searched, booked into custody and placed in a cell at about 1:36 p.m. SIRT said guard staff told officers at about 3 p.m. that the man appeared to be in medical distress.

Officers entered the cell, administered naloxone and began first aid while emergency medical services were called. Local medical staff arrived at the detachment at about 3:20 p.m. and continued care until paramedics arrived at about 3:30 p.m.

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Resuscitation efforts continued until about 4 p.m., when the man was pronounced dead.

Two SIRT investigators have been assigned to the case. SIRT said a community liaison will also be appointed under The Police Act, 1990. SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. The RCMP will remain responsible for investigating the offences that led to the man’s arrest.

SIRT said no further information will be released at this time. A final report must be released to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

SIRT releases timeline in Turtleford RCMP in-custody death

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