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Inquest: Man's Death in Custody Ruled Accidental
3 Apr
Summary
- Death caused by brain bleed from blunt force trauma of unknown origin.
- Arresting officers used tear gas and a police dog, causing injuries.
- Jury recommends improved cell guard training and cultural sensitivity.
A coroner's inquest jury concluded that the 2020 death of Everett Riley Patrick, 42, of the Lake Babine Nation, while in Prince George RCMP custody was accidental. Patrick died on April 20, 2020, from a subdural hemorrhage, or brain bleed, due to blunt force injury. His death followed an arrest eight days prior, where police deployed tear gas and a service dog, resulting in cuts, bruises, and bites for Patrick.
The jury directed five recommendations toward B.C.'s Ministry of Public Safety, RCMP E Division, and the City of Prince George. Key recommendations include enhancing cell guard training with trauma-informed care, ensuring timely responses to detainee wellness concerns, and implementing mandatory cultural sensitivity training for civilian staff. They also suggested RCMP explore passive biometric monitoring and improved staff training to distinguish medical distress from non-compliance.
