Police watchdog looking into Winnipeg police arrest recorded by citizen
Posted March 3, 2026 3:29 pm.
Manitoba’s police watchdog — the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) — is reportedly investigating a recent arrest that was recorded by a citizen.
The arrest reportedly took place on Feb. 12, when members of the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit went to an apartment along Notre Dame Avenue looking for a man and a woman who were wanted for robbery and aggravated assault.
At the residence, officers knocked on the door, and the woman reportedly answered. During this time, the man reportedly tried to flee the apartment, and was later taken into custody along Toronto Street.
The IIU says on Feb. 17, WPS received a voicemail from a citizen who reported that they recorded the arrest. The citizen later shared the video with police, who reviewed it and confirmed it was the arrest on Feb. 12.
“The footage shows an officer standing over a male lying prone on the ground. A second officer approaches, kneels and appears to strike the male in the head or shoulder area before applying handcuffs. The male is then assisted to his feet and escorted to the rear of a truck where a search is conducted,” said the IIU in a statement.
“The officer is observed taking hold of the male by the hair and leading him to a marked cruiser that had arrived on scene. The officer then grips the male by the collar and belt and places him forcefully into the rear seat of the cruiser.”
Upon reviewing the footage, WPS informed the IIU on Feb. 27, where it was ruled that it would be in the public’s best interest to investigate the matter.
The IIU is asking if anyone has any information; they are asked to contact investigators at 1-844-667-6060.
