ASIRT to probe death of man after released from Fort Macleod RCMP custody

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the death of a male who had been in Fort Macleod RCMP custody before being released and found deceased later in the day.

On Sunday, at approximately 8:18 p.m., Fort Macleod RCMP responded to a call regarding an unconscious male.

RCMP and EMS responded and located a 72-yearold man on the sidewalk in front of the Fort

Macleod Public Library. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.

The male was examined, noted to be intoxicated but medically cleared at hospital and released two hours later into the custody of the RCMP, without incident.

Still appearing grossly intoxicated and, unable to locate a person to release him into the care of, the male was lodged in cells at the Fort Macleod RCMP detachment until he was believed to have recovered sufficient capacity so he could be safely released, RCMP said in a news release.

After being released from RCMP cells on Monday morning, RCMP members transported the male at his request to a nearby home where they left him in the company of another person.

At approximately 9:53 p.m. Monday, RCMP responded to the same residence on a call of a deceased male. The 72-year-old male was located deceased inside the residence.

The Director of Law Enforcement has been notified and ASIRT has been directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s detention in custody including any potential nexus between the detention and the man’s death. The Alberta RCMP will not be commenting further on this incident.