The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding serious injuries sustained by an adult male during his arrest in July of 2021.
On July 9, 2021, RCMP advised the IIU of an incident that occurred early that morning in Portage la Prairie where an adult male, alleged to be in contravention of a release order, was placed under arrest. The male resisted and refused to get in the police vehicle. He was eventually placed in the cruiser car and transported to the detachment. Once there, he complained of having trouble breathing and was transported to Portage District General Hospital, where he was examined. He was returned the following day for X-rays, which revealed a collapsed lung and multiple fractured ribs.
As a collapsed lung and fractured ribs are defined as serious injuries under IIU regulations, the IIU was mandated to investigate.
The civilian director designated three RCMP officers as subject officers and three RCMP officers as witness officers. IIU investigators also interviewed the affected person (AP) and two civilian witnesses, and consulted with a physician for an opinion on the potential cause of injury.
RCMP file material and other information obtained by IIU investigators included:
- radio transmissions
- occurrence summary reports
- officers’ notes
- cell video
- subject behaviour response report
- GPS data for police vehicles
- AP’s medical records
Following the completion of this investigation, the civilian director requested a review and opinion from Manitoba Prosecution Service (MPS) on whether any criminal charges should be authorized against any individual referenced in this investigation. In this case, after considering the evidence, the MPS concluded there is no basis for any criminal charges.
Accordingly, IIU has completed its investigation and this matter is now closed.
