‘We need to change the system’

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This article was published 16/01/2019 (2600 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A drumming vigil, which was held at the site where Chad Williams was fatally shot last week by Winnipeg police, was organized to show support for his family — and as a protest against the use of deadly force.

“I think we need to change the system,” said Laine Walker, who helped organize the Wednesday night gathering on Sherbrook Street.

Williams, 26, was shot dead by police on Jan. 11, on a snow-covered lawn in the West End. The incident began around 7:50 p.m., when officers reported a man acting suspiciously near Sherbrook Street and Sargent Avenue.

The man — later identified as Williams — fled, but police caught up to him in a nearby vacant lot. Police said Williams pulled out an unspecified weapon, and more than one officer fired a gun at him.

The officers gave Williams medical attention, including CPR, but he died shortly after being rushed to hospital. Police have said there was no indication Williams was high on any substances at the time.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating, and asking the public for information. At least one cellphone video taken by an area resident has surfaced on Facebook, showing a man on the ground and police officers surrounding him.

“That really upset me to see that,” said Walker, a member of the women’s council of the Selkirk Bear Clan who also belongs to the Fireheart Women’s Drum Group. She said a post about Wednesday’s vigil was viewed by 400 people and she expected several from Selkirk to attend, as well as Winnipeg Bear Clan members and supporters.

“I’m hoping it will support the family. Our drums are healing, and I hope it helps people,” she said.

She hopes the gathering raises awareness about the use of force by police. “It’s very disturbing what’s happening, and there’s many incidents.”

In fiscal 2017-18, the police watchdog opened 40 investigations; the latest use of force left Williams dead.

“I think even a Taser could’ve been used,” Walker said. “My thoughts are with his family.”

Williams, who had struggled with addiction, was in a similar situation in October 2016, court records show.

During that incident, he was reported to be holding a tire iron in one hand and a metal bar in the other, and yelling “Just shoot me,” while surrounded by officers after a chase.

In 2016, officers armed with Tasers chased Williams — and used the electroshock device on him — but they didn’t appear to faze him, according to court records. It took several officers to tackle and hold him down while handcuffing him.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca