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Man dies while in police custody

Death in cells will be investigated by Regina police


An investigation has been launched into the death of a 52-year-old Ontario man who died while in the detention area of the Estevan Police Service.

Estevan's Chief of Police, Del Block said the man had been arrested by members of the RCMP and had been brought to the Estevan Police Service cells where he was placed in custody just before 9 p.m. Dec. 19. He was found dead shortly after 9 a.m. the next morning.

The Police Act requires that an independent observer be appointed by the Deputy Minister of Justice This observer will have full access to the investigation.

The Regina Police Service Major Crimes Unit will conduct the investigation into the death and they will work in co-ordination with the independent observer. A member of the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit from Regina has also been assigned to the investigation.

"The Estevan Police Service takes the matter seriously and the investigation will be carried out in conjunction with the office of the Chief Coroner," said Block.