The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the death of a 34-year-old male following a confrontation with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS).

On July 29, 2018, the WPS notified the IIU that, at approximately 10:30 p.m. the previous evening, police responded to a call for assistance. Upon arrival near Logan and Princess, the man threatened officers. In response, officers deployed a conductive energy weapon (CEW). The man became unresponsive and was transported to Health Sciences Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

As this matter concerns the death of a person that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer or officers, the IIU was required to investigate in accordance with section 65 of The Police Services Act (PSA). A team of IIU investigators was assigned to this investigation. Further, in accordance with section 70(1) of the PSA, the IIU was required to seek the appointment of a civilian monitor. IIU requested the Manitoba Police Commission to appoint a civilian monitor.

Information obtained by IIU investigators included:

  • witness officer narratives and notes;
  • call history reports;
  • downloads of information from all CEWs at the scene;
  • WPS policy on use of CEW;
  • an audio recordings of 911 communications;
  • an audio recording of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) call for assistance;
  • an audio recordings of police dispatch and officers’ communications;
  • Forensic Identification Service (FIS) photographs;
  • cadets’ notes and reports;
  • a prepared statement from the officer who deployed the CEW;
  • pathology and autopsy reports of the affected person;
  • a toxicology report of the affected person; and
  • video surveillance footage.

IIU investigators also interviewed five WPS officers, four WFPS members, one civilian witness, and an expert on CEW use and deployment (SME).

After a thorough investigation, the civilian director found no actions by any police officer caused or contributed to the cause of the affected person’s death.

The investigation is now complete and the matter is closed.