Police Fatally Shoot Man in Winnipeg Shopping Area After Officer Stabbed
A fatal police shooting unfolded in a west Winnipeg shopping area on Sunday evening after a man reportedly stabbed an officer in the throat. The incident, which occurred near a bus shelter in a parking lot, has sparked significant public attention, with videos of the confrontation circulating online.
Officer Stabbed During Retail Theft Initiative
According to Acting Police Chief Art Stannard, officers were in the area as part of a retail theft initiative when the situation escalated. Police say the man, armed with an edged weapon, ignored repeated commands to drop it. He then stabbed a senior officer in the throat, prompting officers to open fire.
Emergency responders, including multiple police cars, ambulances, and a firetruck, arrived quickly at the scene. Both the injured officer and the suspect received CPR before being transported to the hospital. The suspect was pronounced dead, while the officer remains in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Public Reaction and Social Media Videos
Footage shared on social media shows the moments leading up to the shooting, though police caution that the clips do not depict the entire incident. “Our officers do not come to work to take a life. They come to work to serve and protect the community,” said Stannard during a news conference.
Stannard urged the public to withhold judgment until the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU), the province’s police watchdog, concludes its investigation. He expressed concern over incomplete narratives formed by social media videos, emphasizing that they capture only part of the interaction.
Eyewitness Accounts
Jessica Esau, who was waiting in her car nearby with her youngest child, described the incident as terrifying. “Scariest situation ever,” she wrote on Facebook.
By approximately 6 p.m. local time, the heavy emergency response presence had cleared, leaving a taped-off scene near the bus shelter. Several orange pylons marked key points within the area, signaling the commencement of the investigation.
Police Watchdog Takes Over Investigation
The IIU has taken over the case to ensure transparency and accountability. The agency will examine the circumstances leading to the shooting, including whether proper procedures were followed and if the use of force was justified.
Stannard reaffirmed his confidence in the investigation process and expressed support for the injured officer, who he visited in the hospital. “His wife was there — very emotional,” Stannard shared.
Broader Context
The shooting has reignited discussions around police use of force and the challenges officers face in high-stakes situations. While the investigation continues, the Winnipeg Police Service has asked for patience and understanding from the public as they await the IIU’s findings.
Source : Swifteradio.com
