The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred this past summer at a location on Gertrude Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

On July 13, the IIU was notified by the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) of an incident that occurred earlier that day at approximately 3 p.m. According to the notification, officers responded to a call for service on Gertrude Avenue. Officers attended the scene and located a male suspect in front of a residence armed with a firearm. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation by negotiation. A Taser was deployed in an attempt to disarm the male. The male subsequently pointed the firearm at officers and one of the officers discharged their service pistol. Officers were then able to restrain the male and first aid was administered. The male was transported to Health Sciences Centre in unstable condition and was later upgraded to stable.

As any injury caused by the discharge of a firearm by a police officer is defined as a serious injury, the IIU was mandated to investigate. A team of IIU investigators was deployed and reviewed information including:

  • WPS investigative summary report;
  • WPS officers’ notes and narratives;
  • officers’ supplementary reports;
  • audio recordings of 911 telephone call;
  • audio recordings of WPS radio communications;
  • Forensic Identification Service reports;
  • photographs of exhibits;
  • multiple video recordings;
  • Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) analysis reports;
  • the subject officer prepared a statement; and
  • the affected person’s medical reports.

IIU investigators also interviewed 10 witness officers, nine civilian witnesses and the affected person.

The civilian director found no reasonable grounds to support any charges against the subject officer. Accordingly, IIU has completed its investigation and this matter is now closed.

The affected person remains before the court on charges arising from the incident. The civilian director’s report on the incident will be made available following the disposition of those charges.

The details of the investigation were first announced on July 14, 2022.