The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an injury during an arrest by Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers.
On December 4, 2023, WPS notified the IIU of an incident that had occurred that the previous day. According to the notification, at approximately 2:45pm on Dec. 3, members of the WPS Guns and Gangs Unit, supported by Tactical Support Team officers, attended an apartment building in the 500 block of London Street to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant and arrest a male suspected of being involved in drug offences. At approximately 3:15pm, the male exited a third-floor suite. Officers identified themselves as police and gave the male verbal commands to get on the ground. The male fled and police deployed a less-lethal firearm. The male was taken into custody and was examined by emergency medical services for a bruise and abrasion on his left thigh.
As this matter concerned a serious injury as defined by IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this 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 obtained a statement from a civilian witness.
Following due consideration of all the circumstances and evidence, the civilian director concluded that the discharge of the less-lethal firearm was reasonable in the circumstances. Therefore, no charges are recommended against the subject officer. 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 December 4, 2023.
