The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into circumstances surrounding a serious injury sustained by an adult male during a Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) pursuit.

On July 18, 2021, MFNPS notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on Sept. 21, 2019. According to the notification, officers in Long Plain First Nation were pursuing a vehicle when it was involved in a collision. A male suspect attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended. During his arrest, force was used to subdue him. Following his arrest, he was transported to Portage District General Hospital where he was treated for a lip laceration and pain to the chest area and released into custody.

On Oct. 1, 2019, the male attended MFNPS to advise he had sustained injuries as a result of the Sept. 21 incident. Medical records indicate on Sept. 21 the male was treated for a lip laceration and on Sept. 23 was treated for a collapsed lung and broken rib.

As a broken rib is defined as a serious injury under IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this mandatory investigation and investigators were assigned.

The civilian director designated one subject officer and three witness officers. IIU investigators obtained a statement from the affected person and civilian witness.

IIU investigators also obtained the following information from MFNPS, among other items:

  • supplementary occurrence reports from witness officers;
  • notes from witness officers;
  • police dog services case report;
  • WebView incident report;
  • warrant remanding a person in custody;
  • information of the affected person;
  • RCMP prisoner report – MFNPS prisoner;
  • picture from the affected person;
  • digital ortho map of pursuit on Long Plain First Nation;
  • 911 audio; and
  • use of force report – subject officer (dated Oct. 25, 2019);

The civilian director at the time gave due consideration to all the circumstances and did a thorough review of all evidence and material facts. The director determined the actions of the subject officer were justified and reasonable in the circumstances and found no reasonable ground to support charges against the subject officer.

The details of the investigation were first announced on July 29, 2021.