The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting that occurred June 15, 2022, on the Trans-Canada Highway near Portage la Prairie.
On June 15, 2022, the IIU was notified by the RCMP of an incident that occurred at approximately 3:49am. According to the notification, officers responded to a call for service about people in a truck breaking into a business. An RCMP officer located and attempted to stop a suspect’s vehicle. The police vehicle was rammed and pinned between the suspect’s vehicle and its trailer. The officer was able to exit his vehicle, at which time the suspect’s vehicle swerved towards him. The police officer discharged his service pistol. The suspect’s vehicle fled the scene and was later apprehended by police. A male occupant was arrested, found to have sustained a gunshot wound and transported to hospital.
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 designated one subject officer and nine witness officers. Two civilian witnesses provided statements and investigators also spoke with the affected person.
Following due consideration of all the circumstances, including a Crown opinion that found the standard for prosecuting charges has not been met, the civilian director will not be authorizing charges. Therefore, the IIU investigation is completed, and the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on June 15, 2022.
