The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), the police watchdog agency in Manitoba, has cleared a Dakota Ojibway Police Service (DOPS) officer of any wrongdoing in injuries sustained by a man in custody last December.
On December 3, 2016, DOPS got a call about a drunk and belligerent man who was punching holes in a wall and causing a disturbance at a home on Long Plain First Nation. Officers arrested the 50-year-old man and took him to the Long Plain detachment where he became agitated and wrapped clothing around his neck. An officer had to enter the man’s cell on five occasions to remove the clothing from around the man’s neck. The suspect was also punching the cell door and window continually. Later that night the man complained to officers of pain in his hand and elbow. He was taken to hospital where it was determined he had a broken bone in his right hand.
The investigation showed, through a review of video surveillance, that at no time did the officer use excessive or unnecessary force.
Zane Tessler, the IIU civilian director, said in his report that it was the man’s own conduct that was solely responsible for his injuries.
-News 4-
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