ASIRT investigating after armed man was tasered, died in police custody

EDMONTON — The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the death of a man at a northeast Edmonton home.

Police were called to the house at 120 Avenue and 58 Street shortly after 11:30 p.m. Monday. When officers arrived at the home, they found a 49-year-old man “who was agitated and armed with a knife,” ASIRT said.

Officials said police used a Taser on him and, after a struggle, disarmed him and took him into custody.

“While still in the residence, the man went into medical distress,” ASIRT said in a news release.

Officers began first aid and continued until EMS arrived at the home. The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

ASIRT will investigate whether police conduct caused the man’s death and, if so, whether that conduct constitutes a criminal offence.

The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy and the office of the medical examiner.

READ MORE: What we found in 594 pages of Taser incident reports 

Officials have not said who made the 911 call or who the man was threatening with the knife. His name has not been released.