RCMP investigating death of man after arrest in Ponteix, Sask.

RCMP say they are investigating a man's death after he was arrested by officers this week. 

On Wednesday at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers were called for a report of a man needing medical assistance at a home in Ponteix, Sask., a small community located approximately 275 kilometres southwest of Regina. 

A news release from the RCMP said an officer immediately responded to the scene and located a man needing medical care. 

Police took the man into custody under the Mental Health Services Act and placed him in handcuffs. They then began to provide him with first aid, RCMP said. The man went into medical distress and the handcuffs were removed so officers could provide further medical assistance. 

Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and took charge of the man's medical care, police said. He was eventually pronounced dead at the scene. 

Police said the man's family has been notified of his death but his identity has not been released.  

RCMP say they will investigate the circumstances around the man's death as a result of his interactions with police. 

As required by The Police Act, an autopsy will be carried out by the Saskatchewan Coroner's Service. 

The province's police watchdog, the Serious Incident Response Team, has been notified of the death. They have not taken charge of the investigation but will monitor the RCMP, the RCMP news release said.