On January 1, 2024, Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth responds to inquiries at a press briefing.
The Manitoba police oversight agency is currently investigating a fatal incident involving an officer in Fort Richmond that occurred on Sunday afternoon. The incident took place on December 31 around 2:20 p.m. when Winnipeg police responded to a call reporting a man behaving erratically in an apartment suite located in the first 100 block of University Crescent.
According to Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth, two officers were dispatched to the scene to assist. Upon their arrival, they encountered several individuals inside the suite, one of whom was armed with two knives. Chief Smyth explained in a New Year's Day press conference that a use-of-force situation ensued shortly after, leading to one of the officers shooting the armed male.
Emergency medical care was immediately provided to the 19-year-old individual, who was then transported to the hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. The other two individuals in the flat, a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, were unharmed during the incident.
Chief Smyth mentioned that the deceased individual was known to the police, citing a previous encounter in July where the police had assisted by giving him a ride. However, he clarified that there was no criminal record associated with the individual.
In line with standard procedure for incidents involving law enforcement, the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has taken over the case. The IIU will be responsible for notifying the next of kin and will publicly disclose its findings once the investigation is concluded. This is part of the ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and ensure an impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
