Man dies in EPS custody not suspect for trespassing: ASIRT

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Alberta Police Observers say a man who died of trespassing while in Edmonton police custody has been ruled out as a suspect.

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Just before 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, officers responded to a report of an ongoing trespass at a downtown business. Police officers Jasper arrived in the area between He 104th Street and He 105th Street on He Avenue and encountered a man jaywalking who appeared to be intoxicated.

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Officers approached the man and began directing him, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) said in an update Tuesday.

At 11:33 p.m., officers picked the man up and took him to a patrol car. At 11:37 pm, police called emergency medical services after pointing out his intoxication.

When the man was in the back of the police car, he started kicking his legs, ASIRT said. Officers tried to control his legs, but the man became unresponsive. He was then removed from the vehicle along with handcuffs and given first aid.

Video confirmed after the incident showed the man was not involved in the break-in, ASIRT said.

As ASIRT’s investigation into the arrest and use of force continues, anyone who may have witnessed the man and police or who may have video of the incident should contact investigators at 780-644-1483. You will be asked to contact us.