ASIRT launches investigation after Medicine Hat man dies following police encounter

Story update, Oct. 9, 2024: An ASIRT report concluded that the man died from "myocardial infarction in the setting of methamphetamine intoxication and police restraint." The report noted that police officers are authorized to use as much force as is reasonably necessary where they have reasonable grounds to do so, and determined that there are no grounds to believe their conduct constituted a criminal offence.

Alberta's police watchdog is investigating after a man diedfollowing a police encounter in Medicine Hat.

In a media release, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team said it was directed to investigate a man's death Sunday after an incident involving police in the city.

ASIRT said on Sunday around 2 p.m. the Medicine Hat Police Service received a 911 call about a man screaming and swinging a machete. They say police responded to an apartment in the 100 block of 2 Ave. SE, where they spoke with a 44-year-old man and told him that he was under arrest for possession of weapons for a dangerous purpose.

ASIRT said the man ignored directions from police and barricaded himself inside a residence. The Medicine Hat police tactical team arrived and spoke with the man, who left the home holding a machete and knife and "advanced towards police officers."

The tactical team used a non-lethal weapon on the man and restrained him. Police said they found two weapons at the scene.

Around 8 p.m., ASIRT said, the man was taken to hospital and turned over to the care of hospital staff. Around 8:56 p.m., the man stopped breathing. Emergency medical measures were unsuccessful, and the man died.

"ASIRT's investigation will examine the use of force by the officers. No additional information will be released," the release read.

ASIRT investigates serious allegations of police misconduct and when death or serious injury may have been caused by police.

Medicine Hat is approximately 295 kilometers southeast of Calgary.