News release

Corrections Officials Complete Critical Incident Review

Justice

Corrections officials have completed a review of the circumstances surrounding the death of a 45-year-old man on Thursday, Nov. 22.

Critical incident reviews are completed in rare situations when someone dies in a correctional facility. After the internal review, an external investigation is conducted by a police agency.

"We have completed this phase of the investigation into this unfortunate situation," said Fred Honsberger, executive director of Correctional Services with the Department of Justice. "Our findings indicate that staff followed proper procedures while this person was in our custody and we are now supporting RCMP in their phase of the investigation."

The man was brought to the Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Burnside early on the evening of Nov. 21, to be held until a court appearance the next day to face charges of assault, assault with a weapon, resisting and obstructing a peace officer and escaping from lawful custody.

The man was examined by health-care staff at the facility, and placed in health cells for observation. As he was being escorted to the admissions area the next morning, he became unco-operative and briefly struggled with staff. He was placed in handcuffs and escorted to the admissions area.

As he was being placed in a holding cell, he again began to struggle with staff. Shortly after that, he became unresponsive and staff issued a distress call for emergency medical assistance.

Health-care staff responded and 911 was called. CPR was started and continued until taken over by paramedics. He was subsequently transported to Dartmouth General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"This is a difficult situation for this gentleman's family and friends, and we extend our deepest sympathies," said Mr. Honsberger.