Calgary Incident Overview

Calgary has been rocked by a tragic incident involving the death of an unarmed suspect while in police custody, as revealed by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). The chilling events unfolded at the Carriage House Inn in the early hours of September 17, where police were summoned to address a report of 'an unwanted person' in the lobby.

Details of the Incident

According to ASIRT's findings, a lone officer responded to a situation that quickly escalated. Upon arrival at 12:56 a.m., the officer encountered the man standing near the check-in desk. Body-worn camera footage captured the interaction, which painted a troubling picture. The suspect, who had his hands in full view, was unarmed and appeared to be in distress, displaying confused behavior—like futilely attempting to pick up imaginary items from the floor.

Escalation and Confrontation

As the officer attempted to manage the situation, he ordered the man to leave the hotel. The suspect, seemingly overwhelmed, raised his hands and pleaded, 'I don’t want to die,' creating a harrowing scene as he slowly walked towards the exit. Despite this display of submission, the situation turned chaotic when two additional officers arrived.

Use of Force and Restraint

In a series of alarming missteps, the initial officer holstered his conducted energy weapon and tried to grab the man without informing him of his detainment or arrest. The altercation escalated quickly; the second officer tackled the suspect and struck him in the head while they struggled on the ground. As the situation unfolded, all three officers eventually became involved in subduing the man, who was visibly struggling.

Medical Response and Aftermath

In a deeply unsettling development, the suspect was handcuffed and placed in leg restraints. Reports indicate he was seen bleeding from his mouth and subsequently vomited on the floor, leading officers to place a spit mask over him. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived and administered a sedative to the man approximately seven minutes after he was restrained. However, just three minutes later, he was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation and Community Reaction

ASIRT is diligently investigating the use of force employed by the officers during the incident, which raises grave questions about police protocols and accountability. Community outrage is palpable as residents demand transparency and justice in the wake of this fatal confrontation.

Calls for Change

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing debate over police handling of mental health crises and the urgent need for reforms that prioritize de-escalation over force. As ASIRT continues its investigation, advocates for change call for accountability, aiming to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.

Conclusion and Updates

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as the quest for justice continues.