Police watchdog investigating video allegedly showing Winnipeg officer hitting suspect

A Winnipeg police vehicle is photographed at a scene in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating after a video shows a Winnipeg police officer allegedly hitting and pulling a suspect by his hair.

The investigation began on Feb. 17 when the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) got a voicemail from a man saying he recorded a video of an arrest. Police called the man back, got a hold of the footage, and notified the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU).

According to the watchdog, the footage, which was recorded on Feb. 12, shows a Winnipeg officer standing over a man who is lying on the ground. The IIU says a second officer then approaches, kneels and strikes the man in the head/shoulder area before putting on handcuffs.

The IIU says the man is then helped to his feet and brought to the back of a truck, where a search is conducted. The watchdog alleges the officer then takes hold of the man by his hair and brings him to a marked police car. The video then shows the officer gripping the man by his collar and belt and putting him “forcefully” in the backseat of the car.

The IIU says a review of the incident determined the footage is from an incident where police went to an apartment in the 700 block of Notre Dame Avenue to arrest a man and woman wanted for robbery and aggravated assault.

When officers got to the apartment, the woman answered the door while the man tried to escape through a back window. The male suspect was later found in the 700 block of Toronto Street. Officers went to the area where the man was arrested, searched and taken into custody.

The IIU civilian director has determined an investigation is in the public interest.

Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.