The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating the RCMP use of a less-lethal firearm during the arrest of an adult male.
On February 18, 2025, RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on February 13, at approximately 11:11am. According to the notification, RCMP members responded to a report of an impaired driver in a stolen pickup truck in Ebb and Flow First Nation. RCMP members located the stolen vehicle in Ebb and Flow First Nation, and the driver ran into a wooded area nearby.
Officers located the suspect and informed him he was under arrest, but he attempted to flee. An officer deployed a less-lethal firearm, but the suspect was unaffected and refused to surrender.
Officers continued to search and were able to place him under arrest. The suspect was then transported to hospital, where it was determined he had severe frostbite and may require amputation. Several hours later, the suspect left the hospital on his own accord.
On February 15, Portage District General Hospital called the RCMP to report the suspect was at the hospital and was being treated for frostbite. Officers attended the hospital and apprehended the suspect.
In accordance with the Police Services Act and regulations, any injury resulting from the use of a firearm is deemed a serious injury and, as such, results in a mandatory investigation by IIU.
Witnesses or individuals who have information or video footage that may assist this investigation are asked to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.
