The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating an incident where Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers discharged their firearms at a stolen vehicle.
On April 11, 2025, WPS notified the IIU of an incident that occurred that same day at approximately 5:49pm. According to the notification, WPS members responded to a report of an impaired driver operating a stolen pick-up truck in Winnipeg.
Officers observed the stolen vehicle on Home Street between Portage Avenue and St. Matthews Avenue and positioned their vehicle across the street to prevent the stolen vehicle from fleeing. The driver of the stolen vehicle reversed and struck a civilian vehicle behind it. The driver proceeded forward toward a police vehicle and members outside their cruiser car, which resulted in officers discharging their firearms. The truck drove over the east boulevard of Home Street to escape and proceeded northbound on Home Street, where it struck a police vehicle, lost control and crashed into a residence in the 500 block of Home Street.
The collision resulted in a fire which spread to a large fuel tank in the bed of the pick-up truck, which subsequently exploded and ignited the house and the truck.
No residents were inside the house and there were no reported injuries to the suspects or officers.
The civilian director has determined it is in the public interest for the IIU to investigate. Witnesses or other 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.
