The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) investigated the April 28, 2025 incident in which a 29-year-old man died shortly after being arrested.

An autopsy determined the man died of positional asphyxia combined with acute methamphetamine and cocaine toxicity.

Melfort RCMP went to the James Smith Cree Nation after reports that a man had discharged bear spray inside an occupied home. A family member said the man was agitated and under the influence of methamphetamine.

The man stated he was having a mental health crisis and would “fight to the death”. The man ran outside when told that he was being placed under arrest. Three officers pursued him on foot. After running a short distance, the man stopped and raised his hands. He was on the ground while handcuffs were being applied. The man stated he was having a heart attack. The handcuffs were removed and the man was rolled on his back. Shortly after, he stopped breathing. A paramedic started chest compressions and several doses of naloxone were administered with no effect. About 45 minutes later, the man was declared dead.

SIRT interviewed six RCMP officers and 13 civilian witnesses, including family, community peacekeepers and paramedics. Video footage was reviewed from body-cameras, recordings from police vehicles and community surveillance video. A witness reported seeing an officer discharge a conducted energy weapon, but data and video evidence showed that the device was not used during the encounter.

The SIRT report concluded police had lawful grounds to take the man into custody. Officers and paramedics also provided timely and appropriate care when they discovered the man was in medical distress.

Complete timelines can be viewed in the full SIRT report.