An inmate was found dead in Saskatchewan Penitentiary Wednesday.
According to Jeff Campbell of Correctional Service Canada, correctional staff found Curtis Robert Cozart in his cell. They called emergency services, who pronounced Cozart dead at 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Campbell said that the cause of death will be determined by the coroner’s office, but added that “we don’t have any indications of foul play.” He said there was no violent incident preceding the death.
Cozart was serving a sentence of two years and four months following a standoff with police in Moose Jaw. In 2016, he pulled a knife on police officers, prompting them to tase him twice. But that didn’t stop him. He fled to a roof and was talked down. Cozart was sentenced for assault with a weapon, theft under $5,000, obstructing with a police officer and failing to comply with a probation order.
According to a news report, he was sent to North Battleford for a psychiatric assessment.
Cozart’s next of kin have been notified. Campbell said that Correctional Service Canada will be conducting an investigation into the case.
“As is the case with the death of any offender, it’s something we take very seriously,” Campbell said. “We will gather up all the available information, pursue that and review whether we have to make any additional changes.”
