The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an incident in which a 14-year-old youth was injured during his arrest by members of the Winnipeg Police Service. Following this investigation, the subject officer will not face any charges.
On June 20, 2019, police received a call about one boy being assaulted and one with a hatchet at the bus loop at Kildonan Place Mall. The two officers who answered the call located the boy with the hatchet, took him to the ground, and struggled with him as he resisted arrest. The boy
subsequently complained of pain to his right arm and he was taken to Children’s Hospital and treated for a fracture to his elbow.
As the boy’s reported injury met the definition of serious injury as defined by regulation, the IIU was mandated to investigate.
IIU investigators were aided by surveillance video from Kildonan Place Mall and Winnipeg Transit, as well as a civilian witness. At the conclusion of the investigation, the IIU civilian director determined that the subject officer’s use of force to gain control of the boy and prevent him from using the hatchet was reasonable and justified.
