Tasered man died of heart attack: RCMP

September 21, 2006
CBC News

The RCMP say a Taser is not to blame for the death of a man who struggled with three officers in Digby last year.

Paul Saulnier, 42, died outside the RCMP detachment in Digby on July 15, 2005, after officers used a stun gun to immobilize him.

On Thursday, Nova Scotia's chief medical examiner said Saulnier died of a heart attack brought on by excited delirium, linked to his paranoid schizophrenia.

"It's a disease that's characterized by sudden onset of very violent and aggressive behaviour, confused thinking, superhuman strength," Dr. Matthew Bowes told CBC News.

Bowes said excited delirium usually affects two groups: chronic cocaine addicts and people with pre-existing disorders.

RCMP Sgt. Frank Skidmore said the deputy chief medical examiner for Ontario reviewed the case and concluded that the Taser played no role in Saulnier's death.

Wife filed complaint

Saulnier ended up in police custody after his wife filed a harassment complaint.

Helen Saulnier said she did so in an attempt to get him psychiatric treatment.

Saulnier walked into the RCMP detachment. When officers told him he was being arrested and charged, he fled the building.

Three officers tried to bring him down in the parking lot by using pepper spray and a baton. When that didn't work, they used a Taser, which delivers a jolt of electricity.

A few minutes later, Saulnier stopped moving. Paramedics arrived, but Saulnier died at the scene.

An investigation headed by Halifax Regional Police found the three officers were justified in using force, Skidmore said.

He said Saulnier's family has met with Bowes to discuss the report.