Saskatchewans police watchdog investigating in-custody death of First Nations man

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating the death of a First Nation man in an RCMP cell Wednesday afternoon. In a news release, RCMP said the man, who is not named in the release, was arrested at a home on Thunderchild First Nation after the Turtleford RCMP Detachment executed a warrant in relation to an ongoing investigation. The community, located about 250 km northwest of Saskatoon, confirmed to APTN News that the man was a citizen of the Nation. Police said the man was arrested without incident and was transported to Turtleford Detachment cells at approximately 1:30 p.m. “Around 3:00 p.m., the male experienced medical distress while in Turtleford Detachment cells. RCMP officers provided immediate medical assistance. Further assistance was provided by medical professionals who were contacted and attended the detachment. The male was declared deceased at the detachment,” the release stated. The man’s family has been notified of his death. As required by The Police Act, 1990, Saskatchewan RCMP notified SIRT and that office is investigating. The RCMP said it cannot provide further information as SIRT is now investigating. Loon Lake RCMP It is the second SIRT investigation launched in Saskatchewan this week into the RCMP’s interactions involving a First Nations person. The incident at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation was captured on a cell phone video that went viral after being posted to social media. Initially, RCMP said in a news release that “following an initial review of this incident at the Saskatchewan RCMP District level, which included the viewing of the RCMP body-worn camera footage, the force used by the police officers involved in this incident was determined to be reasonable.” “In accordance with Saskatchewan RCMP policy, this incident has not been reported to SIRT given the non-serious nature of the injuries sustained by the woman arrested in this incident,” the RCMP stated. However, a second news release on the incident said RCMP had referred the matter to SIRT. “As part of our commitment to transparency, and considering public interest, Saskatchewan RCMP has asked the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) to perform an external independent investigation of the incident,” RCMP said, adding “the officers involved in this incident will remain on duty during the investigation.” SIRT said in a statement that “while the arrest did not result in serious injuries within the meaning of The Police Act, 1990, SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s public interest mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.” SIRT provided details of the incident. “On July 27, at approximately 5:14 a.m., members of the Loon Lake RCMP arrived at a residence on the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation while attempting to arrest an adult male on an outstanding warrant. At approximately 5:32 a.m., after prolonged discussions with the occupants of the residence, an adult male emerged from the residence and was arrested on the front step for outstanding warrants,” said a statement on Thursday. “At approximately 5:33 a.m., a second adult male emerged from the residence onto the front step and was also arrested on outstanding warrants,” SIRT said. It was during the arrest of the second male, SIRT said, “that a physical altercation occurred on the front step between two members of the RCMP and a 40-year-old female occupant of the residence. “The 40-year-old female left the porch and, at approximately 5:34 a.m., a second physical altercation occurred in the area between two vehicles parked outside the residence. During the second altercation, both physical force and a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) were used,” SIRT said. The video shows a woman being taken to the ground by two RCMP officers. One can be heard saying “when I say get the (expletive) back from me, you get back. Do you hear me? (Expletive) unacceptable.” Once in handcuffs and on the ground, the officer goes on to demand the woman get up, even though she is handcuffed and on her stomach. When she is brought to her feet, she is visibly bloodied. A taser can also be heard going off in the video. According to SIRT, its investigators are on deployment to Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. A community liaison will also be appointed. “SIRT’s investigation will examine the actions of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the woman’s arrest. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation into the occupants of the residence and their actions. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending,” it said. SIRT’s mandate is to investigate alleged cases of serious injury, death, sexual assault or interpersonal violence arising from the actions or omissions of on and off-duty police officers, or while an individual is in police custody. The woman in the video, Rose Georgina Angus, 40, has been charged with two counts of assault of a police officer, two counts, resisting a police officer, one count, obstructing a police officer and one count, possession of cocaine. Angus appeared in Meadow Lake Provincial court on Tuesday. Continue Reading