IIU recommends no charges after man dies in police custody

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This article was published 02/09/2025 (209 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s civilian police watchdog is not recommending charges in connection with an in-custody death in Winnipeg last year.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba said a 52-year-old man died in hospital Sept. 15, 2024 after he was arrested by Winnipeg police and later found unresponsive in a police holding room.

An IIU report said officers encountered the man while responding to a call about a possible gun in an encampment in the 100 block of King Edward Street.

The man was arrested after telling police he believed he had a warrant, which officers confirmed, the report said.

Officers told the IIU the man was co-operative and polite, and was not handcuffed as a result. The man was medically cleared by a paramedic before being placed in a police holding room, the watchdog said.

A police log sheet stated the man was checked every 15 minutes. A person who was in the same cells told the IIU the man was intoxicated and sleeping, and there was no sign of concern.

The man was taken to hospital after he was found unresponsive.

The IIU said Tuesday that the civilian director will not be authorizing charges based on an examination of all available evidence, including witness interviews or statements, and video footage.

An autopsy report listed severe coronary atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the man’s immediate cause of death.

Methamphetamine intoxication and hypertensive cardiovascular disease were cited as significant contributing conditions.

The investigation is complete and closed, the IIU said.