The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an incident related to an arrest in Brandon.
On October 2, 2023, the Brandon Police Service notified the IIU of an incident that had occurred on September 30, 2023. According to the notification, at approximately 1pm, officers responded to a call for service at a residence in the 800 block of Frederick Street. They had received reports about a male waving a weapon and that the male may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers attempted to take the affected person into custody, but he did not comply with their commands. A brief use of force encounter ensued, a less-lethal firearm and a conducted energy weapon were deployed. The affected person was taken into custody and transported to Brandon Regional Health Centre for treatment.
As this matter concerned a serious injury as defined under Sec. 1(1)(f) of the IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 66(4) of the Police Services Act.
One subject officer and four witness officers were designated. Investigators also designated three civilian witnesses. The affected person declined to provide a statement.
In considering all the circumstances, the civilian director concluded that the actions of the police officers were reasonable. Therefore, the IIU investigation is completed, and the matter is now closed.
As an affected person remains before the court on charges arising from the incident, the civilian director’s report on the incident will be made available once those charges are disposed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on October 4, 2023.
