The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into a serious injury of an adult male who was in police custody in Winnipeg.
On May 12, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) notified the IIU of an incident that had occurred the previous day. According to the notification, at approximately 11:45pm on May 11, general patrol officers attended a bus stop in the 500 block of Main Street following a 911 call about a male that had been beaten up by a group of people.
Officers located the affected male sleeping on the ground. He had a laceration on his head and appeared to be intoxicated. Paramedics attended the scene and transported the male to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg (HSC). While waiting for treatment, the male became agitated and verbally aggressive with police and hospital staff and attempted to punch an officer in the face. The male was taken to the ground and restrained.
Medical tests indicated the male had a skull fracture.
As this matter concerned a serious injury as defined under IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act. No subject officers or witness officers were designated. IIU investigators obtained a statement from the male and reviewed surveillance video footage from city hall and HSC Winnipeg. The male is seen falling backward, hitting the back of his head on the concrete, no one is near the male when he falls.
Following a review of the evidence, the civilian director concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that the serious injury suffered by the male was caused by the police. Therefore, the IIU investigation is completed, and the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on May 13, 2024.
