Warning: The following news release contains information that may be disturbing to members of the public.
On February 8, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service received an order under the Manitoba Mental Health Act to apprehend a 59-year-old male and convey him to hospital for a non-voluntary physician examination.
Officers made several attempts during the following days to apprehend the male but were met with negative results.
On February 13, at 7:26 a.m., North District General Patrol officers attended to a residence in the 200 block of Magnus Avenue and were met at the door by the male exhibiting agitated behaviour and in possession of a crowbar. As officers approached the male, he discharged a fire extinguisher in their direction before retreating and locking himself inside.
Officers summoned the Tactical Support Team (TST), who upon arrival, made repeated attempts to communicate with the agitated male, which were met with negative results.
TST members breached and entered the residence and continued their attempts to communicate with the male, who had now barricaded himself in a second-story bedroom. The male again discharged a fire extinguisher at TST members.
After some time, the male exited the bedroom and confronted officers while armed with a large edged weapon. During this encounter, officers discharged their firearms, striking the male. Officers provided immediate emergency medical care to the male with the application of chest seals and a tourniquet.
The male was transported to hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has been notified and has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Please direct any follow-up inquiries to the IIU.