Man acting erratically dies after Winnipeg police use Taser, watchdog says

A 42-year-old man died in hospital after Winnipeg police used a Taser during an early-morning encounter that Manitoba’s police watchdog is now investigating.

Police received several calls shortly before 4:30 a.m. Sunday about a man walking up and down McMeans Avenue East, removing his clothing and behaving erratically. One call came from the man himself, while a woman said they were experiencing adverse effects from drug consumption.

A later caller reported that the man had assaulted a resident after allegedly breaking into a home. Officers found him naked and acting erratically, according to the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba. The watchdog said he allegedly refused commands and ran eastward.

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He was walking up and down the street in an erratic manner and was removing his clothing.

Patrol officers issued numerous verbal warnings before using a Taser, the unit said. A brief struggle followed, and officers took the man into custody. Winnipeg police said he showed signs of “an agitated chaotic event” and became unresponsive while officers waited for an ambulance. They performed CPR before paramedics took him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A Winnipeg officer suffered a minor leg injury during the encounter. Police referred the investigation to the IIU because the case involved a fatal use of force.

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an agitated chaotic event