The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an incident involving an off-road vehicle collision that resulted in serious injuries. The incident occurred at the intersection of Ellice Avenue and Young Street in Winnipeg.
On September 10, 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) notified the IIU of an incident that had occurred earlier that day. According to the notification, at approximately 5:09pm, WPS general patrol officers were responding to an unrelated incident when they observed an off-road vehicle (ORV) travelling northbound on McMicken Street (the back lane between Furby Street and Langside Street). The driver was not wearing a helmet. Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency lights and siren and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The ORV turned eastbound onto Sargent Avenue and then southbound onto Young Street, and the driver did not make any attempt to stop or pull over. The officers decided to disengage as the situation did not support a pursuit. Moments later, the ORV travelled through a solid red light and collided with a vehicle travelling westbound on Ellice Avenue. The collision caused the westbound vehicle to collide with an eastbound vehicle. The ORV driver was thrown from the vehicle and landed on the roadway. Officers provided assistance until emergency medical services arrived. The driver was transported to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, where he was diagnosed with a fractured shoulder and spine, as well as a brain bleed.
As this matter concerned serious injuries as defined in IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act. No subject officers were designated. Four witness officers and four civilian witnesses were designated. As part of their investigation, investigators reviewed surveillance video footage from the area.
Following due consideration of all the circumstances and evidence, the civilian director concluded the very brief interaction of the police officers did not contribute to the serious injuries sustained by the male. Therefore, no charges are recommended against any of the witness officers. The IIU investigation is complete and the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on September 11, 2023.
