The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating after a cyclist complained to the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) that one of its officers had stopped and assaulted him for no apparent reason.
The WPS Professional Standards Unit advised IIU that a man complained he had been cycling home from work around 3:00 a.m. on April 12 when a police car stopped abruptly in front of him and the officer told him he matched the description of a wanted white male on a bicycle with a backpack. The man said that when he refused to hand over his backpack as requested, he was pepper sprayed by the officer and threatened with his baton.
Although there were no serious injuries as a result of this incident, the IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the unit to investigate.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.
Since this is an ongoing matter, no further details about the incident or the investigation will be provided.
