The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the deployment of a less-lethal firearm by the Brandon Police Service (BPS) dating back to 2021.
On Nov. 5, 2021, BPS notified the IIU of an incident involving the deployment of a less-lethal firearm that had occurred earlier that day. According to the notification, around 4:20 p.m., BPS received a call for service involving a male armed with a knife on 18th Street in Brandon. BPS officers located the male on 15th Street. He was displaying erratic behaviour and refused to comply with multiple police commands to drop the knife. A BPS officer used a less-lethal firearm to subdue the male, who was then arrested. He was treated for a minor injury at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and then released into custody.
As this matter concerned an injury resulting from the use of a firearm, which is deemed a serious injury as defined under IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation in accordance with Sec. 66(4) of the Police Services Act.
The civilian director designated one subject officer and four witness officers. Investigators also interviewed the affected person and seven civilian witnesses.
After thoroughly reviewing all the evidence and material facts obtained during the investigation, the civilian director found no reasonable grounds to support any charges against the subject officer. Accordingly, the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on Nov. 8, 2021.
