Sifte Radio

Tag: Independent Investigation Unit Manitoba

  • Manitoba Orders Inquests Into Seven Deaths, Including Children, Police Encounters and Custody Cases

    Manitoba Orders Inquests Into Seven Deaths, Including Children, Police Encounters and Custody Cases

    Manitoba Orders Inquests Into Seven Deaths, Including Children, Police Encounters and Custody Cases

    WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s chief medical examiner has ordered inquests into the deaths of seven individuals, including two young children, two men who died during encounters with police, and two inmates who died while in custody, raising renewed concerns about public safety and oversight.

    The inquests, announced by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Manitoba, are required in cases involving deaths in custody or as a result of police use of force, but can also be initiated in the public interest to determine whether similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.

    Among the cases is the death of a 14-month-old boy in Wasagamack First Nation in February 2024, who died from multiple stab wounds in a child welfare transitional home; his mother was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and found not criminally responsible.

    Another case involves a 46-day-old infant who died of malnourishment in December 2023, with authorities laying a manslaughter charge against the child’s mother following the incident.

    The inquests will also examine the death of 59-year-old Bradley Singer, who was fatally shot by Winnipeg police during a standoff while reportedly armed, with Manitoba’s police watchdog later ruling the use of force justified in response to a mental health call.

    Officials say the proceedings aim to provide transparency, uncover contributing factors, and recommend measures that could help prevent similar deaths across the province.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Police Fatally Shoot Man in Winnipeg Shopping Area After Officer Stabbed

    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