The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has terminated its investigation into injuries sustained by an adult male while in custody in Nelson House.
On May 4, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on May 3, at approximately 11:13am. According to the notification, Nelson House RCMP received a report of an intoxicated male lying on Manitoba Provincial Road 391. Upon arrival, officers located a male on the roadway exhibiting signs of intoxication.
The male was arrested for being intoxicated in a public place and was brought to Nelson House RCMP cells for lodging. During the lodging process, the male became agitated and refused to enter the cell. Members eventually placed him inside and, while attempting to close the cell door, the male grabbed the doorframe. The door caught his left ring finger, resulting in a laceration. Members provided first aid and the male was taken to the local nursing station. He was eventually transferred to Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg where he received further treatment.
As this matter concerned what was believed to be a serious injury as defined under the IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 65(4) of the Police Services Act.
The civilian director deferred the designation of any officers until more information was received through the investigation. This decision was re-evaluated and no officers were designated.
After reviewing the information received from the RCMP, the affected person and medical reports, it was determined that the male’s injury does not meet the definition of serious injury. He pinched his finger briefly between the cell door causing a minor injury. Therefore, there is no further need for the IIU to investigate this incident, and the matter is now concluded.
