A video circulating social media showing an RCMP officer standing on a man’s chest during an arrest in a Manitoba First Nation has prompted a police watchdog probe.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) confirmed it has launched an investigation into the arrest that happened Jan. 31 in Mosakahiken Cree Nation.
A portion of that arrest was captured on video and has since been shared on social media. It shows an officer standing on a man’s chest. The man, whose hands appear to be restrained behind his back, is heard yelling about his heart.
“The acting civilian director of the IIU has determined it is in the public interest to investigate,” reads a notice from the IIU.
Manitoba RCMP said officers had been responding to a disturbance at a home in the First Nation. Mounties said a 22-year-old man had assaulted a woman inside and was refusing to leave.
“Officers entered the home and advised the 22-year-old male that he was under arrest for assault,” RCMP said in a news release. “As officers attempted to gain physical control of him, he resisted and became combative.”
The RCMP said two officers struggled with the man, using a Taser on him, before getting him in handcuffs.
“The suspect continued to resist officers as he was being removed from the home and as they attempted to place him in the vehicle, he continued to resist and fell to the ground,” the release said, adding the struggle continued.
RCMP said a third officer was called in to help before the man was put in the police vehicle. The man is facing multiple assault-related charges and was remanded into custody. RCMP said no injuries were reported.
In a release, RCMP said they are aware of the video but said it shows a “small portion” of the arrest, and confirmed the IIU had been notified.
The IIU said investigators are looking to speak with witnesses who saw the arrest or have more video showing what happened. Anyone with information is asked to call the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.
