The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating the use of a less-lethal firearm by RCMP officers during the arrest of a man in Ebb and Flow First Nation.
The incident occurred on February 13th at approximately 11:11 a.m., according to a notification the IIU received from the RCMP on February 18th. RCMP were responding to a report of an impaired driver in a stolen pickup truck. Upon locating the vehicle in Ebb and Flow First Nation, the driver fled into a wooded area.
Officers located the suspect and informed him he was under arrest. However, the suspect again attempted to flee, prompting an officer to deploy a less-lethal firearm. The device was reportedly ineffective, and the suspect continued to resist arrest. Officers eventually apprehended the man.
Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to a hospital where he was diagnosed with severe frostbite, potentially requiring amputation. Several hours later, the suspect left the hospital on his own accord.
On February 15th, Portage District General Hospital contacted the RCMP to report the suspect had returned and was being treated for frostbite. Officers attended the hospital and took him into custody.
Because the use of a firearm, even a less-lethal one, resulted in an injury, the incident is considered a serious injury under the Police Services Act and regulations, mandating an investigation by the IIU.
The IIU is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has information or video footage that could assist in their investigation, to contact them toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.
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