The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has cleared two Winnipeg Police officers of any wrongdoing in relation to the shooting of a suspect after reports of a La Verendrye Street home invasion.
The incident happened July 24, 2017, and officers received initial reports that the suspect was armed with a handgun. A vehicle pursuit happened followed by a foot chase along Archibald Street.
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As the suspect was running from police the IIU say he was pumping his left arm but kept his right arm close to his body. When he turned towards police he pointed his right arm. Two officers fired their weapons and the suspect was hit in his right hip, leg and foot.
A search of the area after the shooting did not recover a gun but police did recover a set of brass knuckles near where the suspect fell.
IIU investigators reviewed security video from two local businesses and interviewed a number of civilian and police witnesses.
In the final report by IIU Civilian Director Zane Tessler, it is noted that police were chasing a suspect they believed to have been involved in an armed home invasion. The suspect refused all commands to stop and as he turned just prior to the shooting he appeared to reach for his waistband and then move his arm in a gesture similar to aiming a gun.
The report concludes that it was reasonable that both officers discharged their weapons at the man to prevent the death of officers and civilians in the area.
The full report can be read here
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