SiRT investigates after man dies in police custody in Bedford

A man has died in police custody following a call for service in Bedford Friday night.

Police responded to the 70 block Farringdon Way around 10:20 p.m. Feb. 28 to find a 37-year-old man who they believed to be having a mental health crisis.

A statement from police says the man became aggressive and a taser was deployed. Police were able to gain control of the man and handcuffed him while waiting for Emergency Health Services (EHS) to arrive.

While in custody, police say the man’s health began to show signs of deterioration. Officers began life-saving efforts including the administration of naloxone. EHS and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency continued these efforts upon arrival.

The man was transported to hospital where police say he was pronounced dead. The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

This is the second instance in the span of a week where a man has died in custody. On Feb. 22, police responded to calls for a mental health crisis to find a 25-year-old man. Similar measures were taken to control the man whose health also began to deteriorate. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Both incidents have been referred to the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) for further investigation.