ASIRT looking to speak to witnesses to recent CPS arrest

CALGARY – Alberta’s police watchdog is hoping to speak to anyone who witnessed a recent arrest by Calgary police.

On July 8, police were called to Abalone Place about an incident involving the driver of a truck.

When police showed up, they found the driver who appeared to be intoxicated and they believed he was impaired.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) says a review of CPS body-worn camera footage shows that upon contact with the man, police noted signs of intoxication and the man admitted to having consumed alcohol.

The officers tested him on a roadside screening device, which came back as a “fail” reading.

During an interaction with the driver, force was used to place the man into custody.

---

READ MORE: ASIRT investigating after man dies following CPS arrest

---

After being placed under arrest, the driver complained about rib rain and was assessed by EMS before being released.

The man declined to be transported to hospital.

The man went to the hospital later that day with chest pain and medical staff at the Peter Lougheed Centre found he was suffering from internal bleeding.

He later died.

The family spoke about the arrest and death of their loved one late last week.

Relatives of Ramon “Will” Perez said he was a loving a devoted family man.

---

READ MORE: Man who died after CPS arrest remembered as loving family man, mentor

---

They said in a statement that Perez radiated kindness and compassion and was a selfless coach and mentor who had a deep love of music and art.

“Our family is deeply distressed at the outcome of the police’s interactions with Will that night and are reeling from his untimely death. We are encouraged to hear of the immediate decision by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to investigate the incident. Our simple request is that ASIRT complete a thorough and unbiased investigation,” the family had said.

Anyone with information on Perez’s arrest can reach out to the ASIRT.