The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is asking for witnesses to come forward as it investigates the fatal shooting of a man by police in Winnipeg earlier this week.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, began when Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers responded to reports of an armed male at an apartment building in the 800 block of Main Street.
According to the IIU, the officers encountered a man wielding edged weapons, resulting in a use-of-force situation where a firearm was discharged. Despite emergency medical care being administered, the man later died in hospital.
The IIU has deployed investigators and will request a civilian monitor from the Manitoba Police Commission due to the fatal nature of the incident.
Witnesses, or anyone with information or video footage that may assist the investigation, are urged to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060. No further details have been provided as the investigation is ongoing.
The Winnipeg Police Service had previously emphasized the risk to public safety during the confrontation.
Acting Chief Art Stannard said at a press conference on Wednesday evening that officers had responded to multiple 911 calls reporting the suspect banging on doors while swinging weapons. Officers initially used a taser, but the situation escalated, leading to the discharge of a service firearm.
“These members are dedicated police officers who did not ever want to take a life,” Stannard said during at the press conference.
No members of the public were injured during the incident.