The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an adult female following an arrest by the RCMP.
On January 17, RCMP notified the IIU that on January 15, at approximately 8pm, officers were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call at a residence in Vogar. Officers attended and learned that a female was under the influence of drugs. They also learned that she tried to use a weapon on someone in the residence. The female was placed under arrest.
While police were driving the female to a medical assessment at Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern, an officer noted that the female became unresponsive. Police immediately pulled over, requested emergency medical services and provided emergency care. The female was taken by ambulance to Lakeshore General Hospital and she was later transported to St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. On January 16, police learned the female had died in hospital.
As this matter concerned an in-custody death, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act. Because this matter involved a fatality, the IIU also made a request to the Manitoba Police Commission for a civilian monitor. IIU investigators were assigned to this investigation. The civilian director declined to designate a subject officer, but the director did designate two witness officers. IIU investigators also received information from two civilian witnesses.
Following due consideration of all the circumstances, the civilian director will not be authorizing charges. Therefore, the IIU investigation is completed and the matter is now closed.
