IIU investigates serious injuries in Steinbach RCMP custody

An incident at the RCMP cell block in Steinbach that resulted in facial fractures and a referral to a plastic surgeon for a prisoner is being investigated by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU).

The IIU said in a May 20 press release that the adult male was in custody at the time of the injuries.

The day prior, RCMP notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on May 15 at about 4:35 p.m.

According to the notification, Steinbach RCMP officers attended the cell block after a report that a male prisoner had covered the cell camera with a wet blanket and had an edged weapon tucked into his pants.

“Officers gave the male verbal commands to get on his knees, drop the weapon in his hand and turn away so he could be handcuffed and a safety search of him and the cell could be completed,” the press release states. “The male refused to comply after being asked several times, clenched his fists and refused to drop the weapon.”

RCMP said it was at that time that officers “took the male to the ground.”

“He continued to refuse to comply with verbal commands and was struck in the face,” the release said.

He then complained of pain in his face and was transported to Bethesda Regional Health Centre, then to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

While at HSC Winnipeg it was determined that he had facial factures and was referred to a plastic surgeon.