HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a man who was subdued by police with a stun gun.
The Serious Incident Response Team says Halifax Regional Police responded to a residence in Dartmouth, N.S., early Monday morning after receiving a report that a man was harming himself.
Police entered the residence and tried to prevent the man from hurting himself, but SIRT says he became unco-operative, and officers used a conducted energy weapon to subdue him.
The 28-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he died.
Police contacted SIRT, which is investigating the incident.
Halifax Regional Police issued a statement Monday afternoon, saying the investigation is in its early stages, and asking the public to refrain from forming conclusions about the incident before SIRT has completed its investigation.
“Some media stories and news headlines have prematurely drawn the conclusion and left the impression that the deployment of a conductive energy weapon caused the death of the man,” said HRP.
“The investigation is in the early stages and there are many facts to be determined. “
SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation or wrongdoing.
