Since June 12, 2019, the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has begun investigating numerous matters, which are now available for public viewing.
June 12 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident involving an off-duty police officer and an allegation of impaired driving. On June 9, RCMP initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 52 and Provincial Road 206, west of Steinbach. Officers administered a roadside screening test to the driver of the vehicle. The driver – an off-duty officer – was subsequently served with a 72-hour licence suspension. The IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the unit to investigate.
June 12 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on June 1 where officers were called to a family disturbance in the Roblin area. Upon arriving on scene, a 28-year-old male fled and a foot chase ensued. The suspect then got into a tractor and drove towards an officer. The officer discharged his firearm in the air in an attempt to stop the suspect. Although there were no injuries sustained in this matter, the IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the unit to investigate the officer’s use of his firearm.
June 12 – RCMP notified the IIU that it had received a complaint of excessive force being used during an arrest. It was alleged that on June 6 an officer used excessive force that resulted in a 75-year-old male suffering hearing loss. The IIU assumed conduct of the investigation as hearing loss is defined as a serious injury under regulations and the IIU is mandated to investigate.
June 12 – RCMP notified the IIU of a complaint of possible drinking and driving offences by an off-duty RCMP officer. On May 22, the Neepawa detachment received a report of a vehicle being driven erratically on Highway 16. The IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the unit to investigate this incident.
June 14 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident concerning allegations of assault by police officers in the Steinbach area. According to RCMP, on June 13 officers responded to a disturbance call. A 29-year-old female was taken into custody and subsequently complained she had been assaulted by the arresting officers. The IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the unit to investigate.
June 18 – Winnipeg Police Service notified the IIU of an incident that led to the injury of a 60-year-old male during his arrest. According to WPS, on June 17 officers responded to a call for assistance from paramedics for a male who was violent and combative in the ambulance. The male was arrested and, during the course of his arrest, was injured. He was transported to St. Boniface Hospital and treated for a broken arm. As this is a serious injury as defined by IIU regulations, the agency is mandated to investigate.
June 18 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that led to the injury of 28-year-old male during his arrest. According to RCMP, on June 14 officers from the Powerview detachment received a complaint of a male causing a disturbance at a residence in Sagkeeng First Nation. Officers attended the residence and, during the course of the arrest, the male was injured. He was transported to Pine Falls Hospital and treated for a broken arm. As this is a serious injury as defined by IIU regulations, the agency is mandated to investigate.
July 8 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident where an adult male sustained serious injuries during his arrest in Portage la Prairie. According to RCMP, on July 8 officers attended a call for service. A 37-year-old male fled the residence. Police officers caught the man but, during the course of his arrest, he presented a knife and self-inflicted injuries consisting of two lacerations to the neck and a stab wound to the throat. He was subsequently transported to Health Sciences Centre. As this is a serious injury as defined by IIU regulations, the agency is mandated to investigate.
July 18 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on July 17th when officers were called to a residence in Portage la Prairie regarding a disturbance. A male suspect fled the area on a bicycle and was located a short time later. As he continued to ride away, an officer pulled his vehicle in front of the male, striking him at a low rate of speed. The male was transported to hospital. Although there were no serious injuries, the civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the IIU to investigate.
July 30 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident in which a 36-year-old male sustained injuries during his arrest in The Pas. According to RCMP, on July 30 officers attended a call for service where the male was armed with a firearm and not complying with police commands. Following attempts to have the man surrender his weapon, police used a “less lethal” firearm (beanbag gun), which caused a bruise and abrasion. He was eventually taken into custody. Any injury caused by discharge of a firearm is deemed a serious injury under IIU regulations; therefore, an investigation by the IIU is mandatory.
Aug. 4 – RCMP notified the IIU on August 4th of an incident that occurred in the Lac du Bonnet area on August 3rd involving an off-duty Winnipeg Police Service officer allegedly operating a sea-doo and towing a tube with occupants without someone keeping watch. The IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the agency to investigate.
Aug. 20 – RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that occurred in The Pas on August 17 involving an allegation of excessive force during the arrest of a 34-year-old male. Although there were no injuries sustained during the course of the arrest, the IIU civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the IIU to investigate.
Aug. 22 – WPS notified the IIU of a complaint received respecting several misrepresentations by an officer in the course of duty. As the alleged conduct may involve a prescribed offence under The Police Services Act, an investigation is mandatory and the IIU has assumed responsibility in accordance with section 66(1) of the act.
