Man dies in Halifax police custody; second death in a week

Farringdon Way in Bedford, N.S., is pictured on March 1, 2025. (Carl Pomeroy/CTV Atlantic)

For the second time in one week, a man has died in Halifax Regional Police (HRP) custody.

Police said officers were called to Farringdon Way in Bedford around 10:20 p.m. Friday where a man was reportedly experiencing a mental health episode. HRP said the 37-year-old man became aggressive with police, and a taser was used.

Once the man was handcuffed, Emergency Health Services (EHS) was called.

Police said while the man was in custody, he began showing signs of deterioration.

“Police began life-saving efforts, including administering naloxone. EHS and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency continued these efforts upon their arrival,” read a news release Saturday.

The man was pronounced dead in hospital.

Police said the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has been notified.

Second in-custody death

This is the second man who died in HRP custody within the last week.

Police were called on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 22 to a residence in the Fairview area for a man reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis.

Police said the 25-year-old man became aggressive, which prompted a taser to be used.

Once the man was in custody, HRP said his health began to deteriorate. Police began lifesaving efforts, which EHS and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) took over once they arrived on scene.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

This incident has also been referred to SIRT.

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