Death probe launched: Man, 38, passed out while in custody in Saskatoon police cells

A 38-year-old man who was found passed out in his cell at the Saskatoon police station Friday afternoon, after being arrested a few hours earlier, has died.

The man's death is being investigated by members of the Saskatoon Police Service along with the Office of the Chief Coroner.

According to police the man, whose name was not released, had been arrested during the noon hour. They said officers were sent to investigate calls about a man running into oncoming traffic at 22nd St. and Avenue P at 12:20 pm. CST.

The man was charged with breaching court conditions.

"At the time of his arrest the male displayed symptoms of intoxication," police said in a statement about the case.

They said he was placed in a detention unit and that later, around 3:20 p.m., staff found him "unresponsive" in his cell.

Police called the fire department and an ambulance to get emergency medical aid to the man. He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Following their policy, the police department notified officials in the provincial Ministry of Justice about the in-custody death. They said information regarding the cause of death will be released once an autopsy is done.

They added they have trained paramedics who work in the detention area, however the paramedics are not shifted during the day.