The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the serious injuries sustained by an adult male while being taken into custody in Winnipeg.
On October 21, 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) notified the IIU of an incident that had occurred earlier that day. According to the notification, WPS attended the 1000 block of Main Street to apprehend an adult male wanted on a Canada-wide warrant. During the arrest, the affected person was co-operative and asked to make a phone call, which was permitted. Upon completion of the call, the affected person jumped from the second-floor window and landed on the sidewalk below. The affected was transported to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, where he was treated for multiple bone fractures.
As this matter concerned a serious injury as defined under the IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 66(4) of the Police Services Act.
No subject officers or witness officers were designated. Investigators interviewed the affected person, who indicated he jumped from the second-floor window on his own. Investigators also interviewed a civilian witness and reviewed video footage from the site.
In considering all the circumstances, the civilian director concluded the actions of the involved police officers did not contribute to or cause the serious injuries sustained by the affected person. Accordingly, the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on October 23, 2023.
