The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) of Manitoba has cleared two RCMP officers of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of an escaped prisoner near Lake Manitoba First Nation.

Investigators say that the prisoner was being transported by van from Lundar to Winnipeg by a lone RCMP officer on November 14, 2017. A physical altercation occurred and the officer escorting the prisoner was assaulted by the male. The officer shot the man but the suspect then gained control of the officer’s sidearm and took off in the unmarked van.

A manhunt began and the search located the escaped prisoner on Highway 68 near the First Nation community. A lengthy police chase ended when the suspect drove the van into a ditch.

During the arrest of the prisoner, two officers from the RCMP Emergency Response Team shot and killed him.

The IIU was called in to investigate and has determined that no charges should be laid against the three officers involved in shooting the prisoner.