The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the death of a male who died in police presence at a residence on Henrietta Street in Winnipeg on June 23, 2022.

On that day, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) notified the IIU of an incident that occurred when WPS officers responded to a call for service from the Crisis Response Centre regarding the well-being of a male. Officers attended and located a male armed with a knife and attempted to de-escalate the situation. During the course of negotiations, the male suffered a self-inflicted knife wound. In an effort to prevent further injury to the male, officers attempted to restrain him and during this encounter, a Taser was deployed. Officers gained control of the male and initiated emergency first aid efforts. Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service attended and assisted officers. The male was transported to Health Sciences Centre, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation in accordance with section 65(4) of the Police Services Act. As the matter involved a fatality, a request for a civilian monitor was made to the Manitoba Police Commission.

Investigators were assigned and reviewed information including:

  • call history;
  • 911 telephone call history and audio;
  • audio of WPS radio transmissions;
  • WPS officers’ notes and narratives;
  • Forensic Identification Service reports; and
  • photographs of scene and exhibits.

The civilian director designated four WPS officers as witness officers. IIU investigators met with and interviewed four civilian witnesses. As well, IIU investigators consulted with the provincial chief medical examiner and attending pathologist.

Based on the circumstances and in consideration of the medical opinions provided, the civilian director found no evidence to support a finding that any police officer contributed to the cause of the affected person’s death at any level, either by action or inaction. Therefore, there are no grounds to justify the designation of any police officer as a subject officer and no further requirement or need by the IIU to continue investigating the matter.

Accordingly, the matter is now closed. The details of the investigation were first announced on June 23, 2022.