News briefs for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Police watchdog probes facial fractures on suspect

3:27 PM

Manitoba’s police watchdog is looking into an incident where a man was left with facial fractures while in custody of Steinbach RCMP.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba said in a news release it was notified Tuesday by Steinbach RCMP about the incident, which happened Friday afternoon.

At roughly 4:35 p.m. officers were called to a cell block at the Steinbach RCMP detachment where a man in custody had covered his camera with a wet blanket and had an “edged weapon” in his pants, said the IIU.

The IIU news release said police told the man to get on his knees, to drop the weapon and to turn around to be handcuffed, but he refused, clenching his fists and failing to turn over the blade.

Police then took the man to the ground, where he refused further commands, and was struck in the face, said the IIU.

The man then complained of pains in his face and was transported to the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, and eventually Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre, where it was determined he had facial fractures and was referred to a plastic surgeon.

The IIU says its investigation is ongoing.

Thompson RCMP investigating fatal stabbing

1:26 PM

Police are investigating a homicide in Thompson after a man was fatally stabbed early Wednesday morning.

At around 2:20 a.m. Thompson RCMP were called to a reported stabbing in an open area near Princeton Drive in the community; located more than 750 kilometres north of Winnipeg, said an RCMP news release Wednesday.

The man would die in hospital from his injuries, said RCMP. Major crimes detectives are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or to report information online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.