The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding a medical incident and the subsequent death of an adult male following his release from police custody in Steinbach.
On October 6, 2023, RCMP notified the IIU of an incident. At approximately 6:30pm, on October 4, officers located an adult male laying on the ground in an intoxicated state and took him into custody. He was released from custody in a sober state around 5:30am on October 5.
At approximately 7am, on October 5, RCMP officers responded to a call from emergency medical services that a male had been located on Penfeld Drive in Steinbach suffering from a possible overdose. The male was transported to Bethesda Regional Health Centre for treatment and was later transferred to Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. The male was pronounced deceased on October 11.
The civilian director determined it was in the public interest for an independent investigation to be conducted pursuant to Sec. 75 of the Police Services Act.
Investigators interviewed a civilian witness, reviewed the police records regarding the male’s detention and received the male’s medical records including the medical examiner investigator’s report.
In considering all the circumstances, the civilian director concluded the officers involved were not responsible for, nor did they contribute to, the death of the male. Therefore, the IIU investigation is completed and the matter is now closed.
