The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has charged a member of the Winnipeg Police Service with assault following an investigation into injuries sustained by a 47-year-old male during his arrest.
The IIU issued an initial news release on January 2, 2019, advising that on December 31 last year officers responded to a call regarding a break-in in progress on Boyd Avenue. Officers were in the area and arrested a man at the scene. Force was used during the arrest and the suspect complained of soreness to his ribs. He was conveyed to Seven Oaks hospital where he was diagnosed with broken ribs and a punctured lung. As these are serious injuries as defined by IIU regulations, the agency was mandated to investigate.
The IIU conducted a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances of this incident. IIU Civilian Director Zane Tessler, in consultation with Manitoba Prosecution Services, has determined there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe a criminal offence occurred and, accordingly, has authorized the charge to be laid.
On September 18, 2019, WPS officer Cst. Matthew Middleton was notified of the charge. He was issued a summons and will appear in Provincial Court on November 13, 2019, in Winnipeg.
As this matter is now before the courts, the IIU will not make any further comment on its investigation.
