The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is currently investigating serious injuries sustained by an adult male while in Steinbach RCMP custody.
On May 19, 2026, RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on May 15 at approximately 4:35pm. According to the notification, Steinbach RCMP officers attended the cell block at the Steinbach detachment after receiving a report that a male prisoner had covered the cell camera with a wet blanket and had an edged weapon tucked into his pants.
Officers gave the male verbal commands to get on his knees, drop the weapon in his hand and turn away so he could be handcuffed and a safety search of him and the cell could be completed. The male refused to comply after being asked several times, clenched his fists and refused to drop the weapon.
Officers took the male to the ground. He continued to refuse to comply with verbal commands and was struck in the face. He complained of pain in his face and was transported to Bethesda Regional Health Centre, then to Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg. While at HSC Winnipeg, it was determined that he had facial fractures and he was referred to a plastic surgeon.
As this incident involved serious injuries as defined under the IIU regulation, the IIU is mandated to investigate.
