Manitoba Police Watchdog Launches Probe After Naked Man Suffers Serious Injuries During Arrest

Winnipeg is once again under the spotlight of a police oversight body as Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has launched a comprehensive probe into a recent incident where a naked man sustained serious injuries during an arrest by city police. The critical event unfolded in the early morning hours of Sunday, casting a shadow over the routine operations of law enforcement.

According to initial reports, Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Poplar Avenue around 2:30 a.m.

on April 21. The call that prompted their response described a man in apparent distress, naked, and allegedly jumping on top of vehicles. The situation quickly escalated when officers located the individual near the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Watt Street.

What followed was a confrontation during the arrest process, the specifics of which are now the central focus of the IIU's investigation.

During this interaction, the man suffered injuries deemed serious enough to warrant the involvement of the provincial police watchdog. Paramedics were called to the scene, and the injured man was subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical attention.

The IIU, which is mandated to investigate all serious incidents involving Manitoba police officers, was formally notified of the occurrence due to the nature and severity of the injury sustained.

This protocol ensures an independent and impartial review whenever an individual is seriously hurt or dies as a result of an interaction with police. At this preliminary stage, the Winnipeg Police Service officers involved are being treated as witnesses to the event.

As the investigation gets underway, the IIU is appealing to the public for assistance.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, possesses video footage, or has any information pertinent to the events that transpired on Poplar Avenue is urged to come forward. Their testimony could prove crucial in piecing together a full and accurate account of the incident, ensuring transparency and accountability in this concerning situation.