Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime Section are investigating after a man was found unresponsive in the Detention Unit of the Saskatoon Police Service early this morning.

At approximately 9:00 p.m., April 20, 2022, Patrol members responded to a report of an intoxicated male who had fallen in the 1400 block of 8th Street East. Medavie Health Services West attended to the scene to assess the individual while Police tried to secure alternative arrangements to house the man but were unsuccessful. As a result, the 51-year-old was transported to SPS Detention where he was assessed again by the on-duty paramedic, taken to a cell, and checked on regularly by Detention staff.

At approximately 1:20 a.m. April 21, 2022, the man was found unresponsive. Emergency medical attention was provided but the man was pronounced deceased at scene. An autopsy is scheduled for April 22, 2022.

The SPS has notified the Province who has appointed two independent investigative observers.

Paramedics, funded by the Action Accord, started in 2011. Their coverage in SPS Detention was extended from nights to full-time, 24/7 coverage in 2016 following the last in-custody death in SPS Detention.