Manitoba

Man dies one week after being arrested, police watchdog investigating

Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit is investigating the death of a 27-year-old man, who died after he came into contact with police last week.

27-year-old died in hospital a week after Winnipeg police used force to make arrest

Car hidden by police tape.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU), which examines all serious incidents involving police officers in Manitoba, is investigating after a man died following an interaction with police. (CBC)

Manitoba's police watchdog is investigating the death of a 27-year-old man, who died after being arrested last week.

According to a Tuesday news release from the Independent Investigation Unit, around 12:42 a.m. on Sept. 23, Winnipeg police officers responded to a call near the Manitoba Legislative Building, to check up on a man who was yelling and seemed confused.

When police found the man near the bank of the Assiniboine River, the man confronted them. "Officers used force in attempting to take him into custody," the investigative unit's release said. 

The man became unresponsive and was sent to St. Boniface Hospital in critical condition. He was later listed in stable condition, but died in hospital on the morning of Sept. 30.

Because the incident involves a fatality, a request for a civilian monitor will be made to the Manitoba Police Commission.

The IIU is asking anyone who has information or video footage that may assist in the investigation to contact the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.

Corrections

  • An earlier version of this story said a civilian monitor will be in charge of the investigation. In fact, IIU will be in charge of the investigation, but it will be monitored by civilian.
    Oct 01, 2019 7:22 PM CT