The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has recently concluded its investigation into the death of a male suspect while in police custody in Winnipeg.
On August 7, 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) notified the IIU of an incident that had occurred earlier that afternoon. According to the notification, WPS officers responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a male holding a large knife running in traffic and acting erratically. Officers located the male at a residence on Oakland Avenue and took him into custody. The male was initially co-operative. He advised police he had been doing methamphetamine throughout the night, and police called for medical assistance. While waiting for medical assistance to arrive, the male was placed in the back seat of the police car and became extremely agitated and started kicking the window and door. Officers called again for medical assistance. The male’s family members, who were outside the home near the police vehicle, became very emotionally escalated. A decision was made by police to move the male a few blocks away and await the ambulance there to calm the situation. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service arrived on scene as police were taking the male out of the vehicle. They noted the male was unresponsive and immediately administered CPR. The male was transported to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg in critical condition and then pronounced deceased. The cause of death was determined to be acute methamphetamine toxicity.
The IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act. Nine witness officers were designated and interviewed. IIU investigators also interviewed six professional witnesses.
Following due consideration of all the circumstances and a careful, thorough review of all evidence and material facts obtained in this investigation, the civilian director concluded the actions of all police officers were reasonable. Therefore, no charges are recommended against any of the witness officers. The IIU investigation is completed and the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on August 8, 2023.
