Winnipeg police shoot man after brother reported erratic behaviour: WPS

A man is dead after a confrontation with Winnipeg police officers on Monday night, according to the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS).

The incident began when police received two calls from the deceased man's brother. The first call, at 8:42 p.m., reported that the man was behaving erratically, had locked his brother out of their shared home, and was experiencing mental health issues while not taking prescribed medication. The brother also stated the man was threatening property damage.

About an hour later, the brother called police again, reporting he remained locked out and his brother was now screaming at him through a window. Officers from the West District General Patrol Unit arrived at the home on Avon Gate at 10:23 p.m. They were unable to gain entry.

Shortly after their arrival, the man exited the home on his own, armed with an edged weapon. A use-of-force encounter followed, during which an officer discharged their firearm, striking the man. Police and a neighbor provided emergency medical care before the man was transported to hospital in critical condition, where he later died. The WPS stated that officers are trained to use only the appropriate level of force. None of the responding officers were equipped with body cameras. The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), Manitoba's police watchdog, has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with the WPS pledging full cooperation.

“

Our officers are very careful to use only the appropriate level of force required.