Maskwacis woman's death while in police custody probed

A 42-year-old woman in RCMP custody has died after she was discovered unresponsive in police cells in Maskwacis, formerly known as Hobbema.

Cheryl Wendy Simon was arrested Friday night at a local business followingreports of intoxicated people causing a disturbance.

She was taken to theMaskwacisdetachment and deemed fit to be held in custody, but a routine prisoner check during the night found Simon hadstoppedbreathing.

Officers beganCPR and vital signs were restored, but Simon died in hospital at 1 a.m. this morning.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Calgary RCMP major crimes unit is investigating.