The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a male in Portage la Prairie.
On July 22, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) notified the IIU of an incident that occurred the previous day involving an injury to an adult male. According to the notification, on July 21 at approximately 3:12 pm, officers were responding to a shoplifting call at a Portage la Prairie business. They located a male suspect on a bicycle in the vicinity of Fisher Avenue and Third Street NW. The male fled but was apprehended by police and taken into custody.
While in custody, the male complained of having difficulty breathing and chest pains. The male was transported to the Portage District General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a punctured lung and hospitalized.
As internal injuries that require an inpatient hospital admission are defined as a serious injury under the IIU regulation, the IIU is mandated to investigate.
Witnesses or individuals who have information or video footage that may assist the investigation are asked to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.
