30-06-2025
Watchdog investigates man's death after detox stay
Manitoba's police watchdog is investigating after an assault victim had a medical emergency while being held at a detox centre in downtown Winnipeg and later died.
The Winnipeg Police Service said officers were called to a report of a man in his 20s being assaulted by a group of people on the 100 block of Mayfair Avenue shortly before 5:15 a.m. Friday.
The suspects fled before police arrived.
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The Independent Investigative Unit of Manitoba is investigating after a man died at a detox facility in downtown Winnieg on Friday.
In a news release, the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, a civilian watchdog that is investigating the incident, said it was told the man was assaulted by five people.
Officers requested an ambulance for the victim, who police said was medically cleared by paramedics and declined further police involvement in the assault investigation.
The man told police he was struck on the head, the IIU said.
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Police said officers detained the man under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act due to his 'level of intoxication' and for his safety.
He was taken to a detox centre at the Main Street Project, where he was medically cleared again and lodged, police said in a separate news release.
About five hours later — shortly before 10:40 a.m. — the man had a medical emergency while still held under the intoxicated persons Act.
After Main Street Project staff called 911, paramedics transported the man to St. Boniface Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the IIU said.
The IIU asked witnesses or anyone with information or video to call investigators at 1-844-667-6060.
