The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding a man who died after being in RCMP custody.
On January 20, 2025, the IIU was notified of an incident involving the death of an adult male. According to the notification, on January 19, at approximately 7pm, the RCMP detachment in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, received a report of a missing adult male in the area of Madge Lake. The report suggested the missing male was not dressed for the weather.
RCMP members from Kamsack, Swan River, Russell, Roblin and Dauphin, along with conservation officers from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, attended the area to look for the missing male. A remotely piloted aircraft system located the male in the bush approximately 200 to 300 metres from officers. Members made it through difficult terrain to the male’s location, where he was searched and placed in handcuffs for officer safety, as there was an indication the male may have a weapon. As he was carried from the bush, the male was breathing and had a pulse but once at the police vehicle, the male was reassessed and no longer had a pulse. CPR was initiated and emergency medical services transported the male to a hospital in Swan River. In the early morning hours of January 20, police were informed the male had died.
As this matter concerned injuries during an arrest, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act. IIU investigators were assigned to this investigation. The civilian director declined to designate a subject officer, but did designate nine witness officers. Three professional witnesses also provided statements.
After reviewing all evidence available, it is clear that the officer’s main objective was to locate the affected male for his own well-being. Furthermore, the civilian director declined to designate a subject officer as no potential criminal activity occurred in this incident. The IIU investigation is completed, and the matter is now closed.
