The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is reporting that an investigation into potential injuries related to an arrest in 2024 has concluded.
On August 5, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) notified the IIU of possible injuries sustained during an arrest on August 3, 2024. According to the notification, on August 3, 2024, at approximately 10:32pm, officers were dispatched to the area of Des Meurons Street and Goulet Street after receiving a report of a female who appeared intoxicated and lying on the ground. Officers observed numerous visible facial injuries and called the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS).
During the medical examination, the female assaulted WFPS personnel. Officers detained the female under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act and transported her to the Main Street Project, where she assaulted officers and a use-of-force encounter occurred. The female was placed under arrest and transported to WPS headquarters, where she attempted to bite one of the officers and a second use-of-force encounter ensued. She was later released from police custody on a notice to appear.
On August 5, 2024, at approximately 10:15pm, officers arrested the same female at a residence in the first block of Morrow Avenue after a verbal and physical dispute with the homeowner. Emergency personnel stationed at WPS headquarters directed officers to take the female for further medical examination to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, where a doctor noted a pre-existing spinal injury and numerous facial fractures.
The affected person had charges pending before the court as a result of this incident, which have now been disposed of.
