(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

James Smith Cree Nation death

SIRT investigating after in-custody death on James Smith Cree Nation

Apr 28, 2025 | 6:37 PM

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating an in-custody death after an arrest on the James Smith Cree Nation.

The incident happened just before 8 a.m. on Monday.

Melfort RCMP were called about a man discharging bear spray inside a home.

A second caller soon let RCMP know the man may have used an illicit substance and was now in the basement of that home.

The man ran away when officers arrived, but was located in the backyard and placed under arrest.

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Soon after, the man went into medical distress and officers immediately called EMS and administered naloxone multiple times. They also performed CPR until EMS arrived, but the 29-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

His family has been notified.

As required by The Police Act, 1990, Saskatchewan RCMP notified SIRT, and they will investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com