Melfort RCMP say there was a bear spray incident inside a home on James Smith Cree Nation.

Officers responded after getting a call a few minutes before 8 on Monday morning and a second call indicated the suspect may have used an illicit substance and was now in the basement of the home where the bear spray was discharged.

When officers arrived, the suspect fled from the residence on foot. A foot chase ensued into the backyard of the home and the suspect was placed under arrest.

Police say immediately after his arrest, the man went into medical distress in the backyard. Officers immediately called EMS, administered naloxone multiple times, and provided CPR until EMS arrived. The 29-year-old male was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.

As required by The Police Act Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). SIRT will investigate the circumstances of the in-custody death.