ASIRT completes investigation into in-custody death of Lethbridge man in Spring 2025

Jul 8, 2026 | 6:44 PM

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has concluded its findings into the Spring 2025 death of a man while in police custody.

In its report, released Wednesday, it said the incident in question centred around the arrest of an unwanted guest from a home on Scenic Drive.

Lethbridge Police were called just before midnight on March 23, eventually arresting the person after a reported struggle with members.

Shortly after placing him inside a police vehicle, officers noticed the man in medical distress, began first aid, and EMS paramedics were called.

Identified in the probe as AP, or Affected Person, he was then rushed to the hospital and listed in life-threatening condition.

He passed away April 2, and an autopsy that followed determined AP died from the toxic effects of methamphetamine.

A pathologist also cited cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as potential contributing factors.

ASIRT executive director Matthew Block said that while there was some use of force by officers, he deemed it reasonable and authorized by law.

Block’s full five-page summation can be read here.

by Dave Lueneberg