Home / Crime and Justice / Manitoba Police Watchdog Clears Officers in In-Custody Death
Manitoba Police Watchdog Clears Officers in In-Custody Death
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Man died after arrest due to acute cocaine toxicity.
- Police called ambulance but took man to nursing station.
- Watchdog found no actions by police caused the death.
Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the death of a man who became unresponsive after being arrested in Chemawawin Cree Nation on June 27. The IIU will not recommend charges against the RCMP officers involved. The man was arrested for causing a disturbance and exhibiting erratic behavior.
Officers noted the man's resistance during handcuffing and his deteriorating physical condition. Despite calling for an ambulance, a lengthy response time prompted the officers to transport him to the local nursing station. During the drive, the man became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the health-care centre after resuscitation efforts.
According to the medical examiner, the man's death was attributed to acute cocaine toxicity, based on toxicology reports. The IIU reviewed body-worn camera footage and interviewed officers, concluding that the death was a tragic event but not a result of any actions taken by the police.
