Winnipeg police responded to two fatal incidents; No fees were charged

No charges have been laid against officers in two separate incidents involving the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and the Independent Investigations Unit (IIU).

The first incident occurred on July 5, 2023, when WPS officers located a stolen vehicle parked at an apartment complex on Robson Street. Officers attempted to detain the lone adult male, but he resisted, leading to an encounter with the use of force. During the capture, energy weapons were deployed. After the arrest, the man remained unaccounted for. The man was pronounced dead at St. Boniface Hospital despite officers' efforts to revive him, including CPR and multiple doses of naloxone.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs took responsibility for the investigation. 65(4) of the Police Act. Statements were received from nine witnesses and seven civilian witnesses. The civilian director concluded that the officers were performing their duties lawfully and that the use of force was justified. As such, no charges were brought against the officers.

The second event took place on September 2, 2023. WPS officers responded to a call of a male driving erratically at the intersection of Main Street and Alexander Avenue. A man who admitted to using cocaine and methamphetamine was handcuffed for acting nervous. He was chemically sedated by a paramedic and taken to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center where his condition worsened. He was in a medically induced coma until his death.

Again, the IIU took over the investigation. Testimony was taken from four appointed witnesses, four professional witnesses and two civilian witnesses. The civilian director concluded that the actions of all officers were reasonable, and no charges were filed.

Both investigations are now closed.

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