Man’s death in custody not linked to police action: SIU

The province’s Special Investigations Unit finished its investigation into the death of a 63-year-old man in custody in Sioux Lookout, and concluded that police played no role in the man’s death.  

Officials with the SIU say OPP officers arrested Albert Moonias, 63, of Summer Beaver, Ont., and placed him in a cell at the Sioux Lookout detachment on March 15 shortly after 10 a.m.

At about 2:30 p.m., Moonias was found to be suffering from what the SIU called medical distress. Moonias was transported to a Sioux Lookout Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A March 17 post-mortem examination found that the man died as a result of a heart attack. The SIU concluded that there was no evidence of trauma to Monnias’ body that would suggest he was involved in a fight or restrained.

SIU Director Ian Scott concluded that the man died as a result of a condition unrelated to any actions by police.