Death of Calgary man days after arrest prompts police watchdog investigation

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigatingthe circumstances surrounding a man's death days after a confrontation with Calgary police, who believed the man to be intoxicated behind the wheel.

On the night of July 8, officers were called to the 300 block of Abalone Place N.E., following a report from a resident regarding the driver of a truck, according to an ASIRT news release Monday.

Police said the 37-year-old man appeared to be intoxicated and officers suspected he was driving while impaired.

Officers used force to arrest the man, after which he complained of rib pain.

"EMS arrived at the location and assessed the man, who indicated that he would seek further medical attention on his own," saidASIRT.

The man was later released from custody.

Later that day, the man sought medical attention at the Peter Lougheed Centre, where it was discovered he was suffering from internal bleeding.

Three days later, on July 11, he died.

ASIRT is asking the public to contact investigators at 403-592-4306 if they witnessed the interaction in the 100 block of Abalone Way N.E. on July 8, at about 9:50 p.m.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Teaminvestigates when policeare involved in a situation that leads to death or serious injury. It also investigates accusations of police corruption.