ASIRT investigating death after Calgary police arrest

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the death of a man following an arrest by Calgary police on July 11, 2026.

At about 9 p.m., Calgary Police Service officers responded to a domestic-related call at a home in the community of Abbeydale. Police then received several reports of a man entering yards in the area and behaving unusually.

Shortly before 9:30 p.m., police received a report that a man had entered a home in the area and tried to stab someone inside.

A few minutes later, officers found a man believed to be connected to the calls elsewhere in Abbeydale.

During the arrest, officers used conducted energy weapons. The man fell into a narrow space in a side yard between a garage and the side fence.

Officers took the man into custody and moved him into a nearby backyard to be assessed.

He was conscious and speaking and briefly struggled against the handcuffs. Officers called emergency medical services.

A short time later, the man became unresponsive. Officers began CPR before paramedics arrived and took him to hospital, where he died.

The Police Review Commission has directed ASIRT to investigate this incident as a Level 1 matter. Under the Police Act, this includes cases involving serious injury or death, or serious or sensitive concerns about an officer’s actions. 

ASIRT will investigate the police use of force and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

The information in this release reflects what investigators know at this early stage, and what they can share while maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.

ASIRT is part of the Police Review Commission, an independent civilian-led agency. ASIRT investigates potential criminal offences involving police across Alberta, including cases where the actions of a police officer may have resulted in serious injury or death.

Media inquiries:
PRCmedia@gov.ab.ca
780-644-0306