About 50 people shut down Portage and Main early Wednesday afternoon after an Indigenous woman was struck and killed by a police vehicle at a homeless encampment.
Protesters clad in red and holding drums and flags circled around the downtown intersection, calling for justice for Tammy Bateman.
“No more stolen sisters,” one protester cried from the centre of the intersection.
Protesters gather at Portage and Main on Wednesday. (Nic Adam / Free Press)
Bateman, who was in her 30s, was hit by a police cruiser in Fort Rouge Park as officers were returning a man to an encampment along the riverbank shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday.The province’s police watchdog is investigating.
Lori Bateman, Tammy’s sister, is pleading for answers from police.
“I want justice for my sister,” she said at the protest. “My sister had such a kind heart, and she struggled a lot, so I’m here to represent her.”
The Winnipeg Police Service said before the protest that it was aware of the planned event and that participants might move to WPS headquarters on Smith Street.
Police said there might be road closures because of the protest.
“Although protests may lead to some disruptions, there is a public expectation for all citizens to behave in a lawful, courteous and respectful manner of engagement,” the release stated in a news release late Wednesday morning.
“Violence will not be tolerated. The Winnipeg Police Service will respond to unlawful events appropriately and professionally.”
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca