DEATH BY COP!

Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the shooting death of a 24 year old Winnipeg man in November of 2015.

On November 6, 2015 a lone male led police on a 22 kilometre chase through Charleswood, River Heights and Tuxedo. The chase started just after noon when the driver of a white Audi drove towards a police cruiser and pointed what appeared to be a Uzi submachine gun. The chase ended in a field  just south of Lipsett Hall on Kenaston just when the suspect vehicle was surrounded by 19 police vehicles.

Once surrounded the suspect exited his vehicle twice with his firearm pointed at his chin. When he pointed the gun at police, five officers fired at the man causing his death.

 The IIU became involved and assumed responsibility of the investigation as they are mandated to do anytime there is a police involved shooting.

Their investigation revealed that the suspect was in contact with 911 operators and that he wanted to end his life by having police shoot him. Over the 32 minutes his phone was connected with 911 he was asked at least 33 times to drop his weapon and surrender, prior to being shot.

The investigators from IIU interviewed thirty-eight officers and 96 civilian witnesses. They also did an extensive investigation of the shooting scene, reviewed the autopsy report and toxicology report, as well as the report from a forensic firearms specialist. The firearms specialists report showed the the weapon the suspect had in his possession was a replica that shot BBs but looked just like an actual Uzi.

In his report IIU civilian director Zane Tessler wrote that he considered two main issues:whether the pursuit and stop of the Audi was justified and conducted appropriately; and whether police were justified at law to fire upon the man.

Tessler wrote that the man’s dangerous and unsafe operation of his vehicle, and displaying and pointing what appeared to be an Uzi submachine gun at police and other motorists, posed a significant risk to the lives and safety of the public. Moreover, a 911 call made by the man’s girlfriend alerted police that he may have had a gun, was depressed and possibly suicidal, supported the notion the man posed a significant public risk. Finally, a 911 call made by the man himself during the pursuit provided further evidence of his precarious mental state and the danger he posed. Given these factors, Tessler wrote police were justified in pursuing the man through southwest Winnipeg and acted appropriately in the methods chosen to bring his car to a stop.

Tessler found the man’s action of pointing his firearm at a police officer is consistent with a person who is intent on taking his own life and wishes to instigate a police shooting to accomplish that purpose.

 Tessler concluded the actions of the subject officers were justified and unavoidable and no charges should be laid against any officer.

The full report can be viewed below

-News4 Staff-