The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into a serious incident that occurred on Feb. 6, 2023, on the Redwood Bridge in Winnipeg. A female climbed over the bridge’s railing and fell to the ice below, resulting in several serious injuries. The IIU’s investigation focused on whether the responding Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers contributed to the individual’s injuries.
The IIU obtained various pieces of evidence, including audio files, 911 calls, WPS service call records, city transit videos, officers’ notes, photos of the scene, and medical records of the affected person. Interviews were conducted with the affected person, three civilian witnesses, and two witness officers.
The affected person revealed during interviews that she had been struggling with methamphetamine use and experienced a wellness check two days before the incident. On the day of the incident, the affected person was seeking a detoxication bed on Magnus Avenue, but none were available. Subsequently, she climbed over the railing on the Redwood Bridge, leading to the fall.
The IIU concluded that the brief interaction of the witness officers with the affected person, which lasted between 10 to 30 seconds, did not contribute to her injuries. The officers attempted to communicate with her but could not physically assist her due to her dangerous position on the bridge. In her own statements, the affected person indicated that no one else contributed to her actions, and she took responsibility for her decision to jump off the bridge.
The IIU’s investigation found that the witness officers were not liable for the serious injuries sustained by the affected person.
