RCMP fatally shoot 17-year-old in northern Manitoba First Nation
Province's police watchdog says teen boy was reported as being high, armed with edged weapon
A 17-year-old boy is dead after he was shot by an RCMP officer in Norway House Cree Nation on Friday.
RCMP said officers from the Norway House detachment responded around 1:45 a.m. to a call for police assistance at a house in the community, about 460 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
Manitoba's police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit, which has since taken over the investigation, said a resident from the house on Niska View contacted the RCMP and told them the teen was high and armed with a weapon.
When officers arrived at the home, they found the youth outside armed with an edged weapon, RCMP said in a news release Friday.
Police gave the youth numerous orders to drop the weapon, but he moved closer to the officers. One of them fired their weapon, RCMP said.
The 17-year-old, who was from Norway House Cree Nation, received medical aid before being transported to a hospital, where he later died.
NHCN committed to hold RCMP 'publicly accountable'
Norway House Cree Nation has extended condolences to the family of the teen, saying his death has deeply affected the community, especially as it comes after the death of another member — a 23-year-old woman who was found dead in Norway House last week.
"These incidents have brought immense grief to our nation," a statement from Norway House Cree Nation said. "As leaders of our nation, we assure you that these matters are receiving our highest priority."
Norway House has established a dedicated team to ensure a thorough and independent investigation is conducted into the shooting, the statement said.
"We want to assure the community that we are committed to holding the RCMP publicly accountable for their actions," it said.
"We will take all necessary steps to ensure justice occurs and to support the families affected by these tragedies."
The community is also implementing measures to address the broader issues of drugs and violence, adding all options are being considered including the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Norway House.
The Independent Investigation Unit said a team of investigators was deployed after the shooting, and the watchdog has asked the Manitoba Police Commission to appoint a civilian monitor.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage that might assist in the investigation is asked to contact the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.