In two separate incidents involving the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), no charges have been recommended against the officers involved.

The first incident occurred on July 5, 2023, when WPS officers located a stolen vehicle parked at a housing complex on Robson Street. The officers attempted to arrest the lone adult male occupant, but he resisted, leading to a use-of-force encounter. Conducted energy weapons were deployed during the arrest. After being taken into custody, the man became unresponsive. Despite the officers’ efforts to revive him, including administering CPR and multiple doses of naloxone, the man was pronounced deceased at St. Boniface Hospital.

The IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation, as per Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act. Statements were obtained from nine witness officers and seven civilian witnesses. The civilian director concluded that the officers were in the lawful execution of their duties and that the use of force was reasonable. As such, no charges were recommended against the officers.

The second incident took place on September 2, 2023. WPS officers responded to a call regarding a man walking in traffic and behaving erratically at the intersection of Main Street and Alexander Avenue. The man, who admitted to using cocaine and methamphetamine, was handcuffed due to his agitated behavior. He was chemically sedated by a paramedic supervisor and taken to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, where his condition deteriorated. He remained in a medically induced coma until his death.

Again, the IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation. Statements were obtained from four designated witness officers, four professional witnesses, and two civilian witnesses. The civilian director concluded that the actions of all officers were reasonable, and therefore, no charges were recommended.

Both investigations are now closed.

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