Manitoba police watchdog investigating death of man detained by Winnipeg police

WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating after a man died shortly after he was detained by the Winnipeg Police Service.

The incident took place on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, around 7:20 p.m., when Winnipeg police officers were called to Osborne Street for a man behaving aggressively and erratically, according to the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU).

Winnipeg police said in a release on Monday that they had received numerous calls from drivers about the man, and a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WPFS) safety supervisor who was driving through the area stopped to ensure the well-being of the man.

Once officers got to the scene, they detained and handcuffed the man, who then collapsed.

“Emergency medical intervention was immediately initiated,” the police service said in a release.

The man was taken to St. Boniface Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The IIU is now investigating. Since the incident involves a death, it will request a civilian monitor from the Manitoba Police Commission.

The watchdog asks any witnesses or anyone with information or video footage to contact 1-844-667-6060.

The investigation is ongoing and no other details will be provided at this time.