2 Winnipeg officers put on leave in connection with fatal hit and run involving constable

Two Winnipeg policeofficers assigned to helpinvestigate a fellow officer's involvement in a fatal hit and runhave beenplaced on paid administrative leave and could face charges.

"While I don't know if the two officers have done anything criminal,it is in the best interest of the service that they be removed from duty right now," said Winnipeg police Chief DannySmythin a news conference Friday afternoon.

JustinHolz,a 34-year-old police constablewho was off-duty at the time of the fatal collision, was arrested in connection with the death of CodySeveright last week.

The 23-year-old was struck and killed while was crossing Main Street near Sutherland Avenue around 8 p.m. on Oct. 10.

'We discovered this' : police chief

7 years ago

Duration 1:06

Two officers who were assigned to assist in the investigation into the fatal hit and run of Cody Severight were placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation by the province's Independent Investigation Unit (IIU).

Holzis charged with impaired driving causing death and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. He's on administrative leave with pay.

On Friday, Smythsaid breath samples were obtained fromHolzthree to four hours after arresting officers believed he was impaired.

He said the two officers who have been placed on leave did not administer the breathalyzer tests and they did not attend the crash scene.

Sources told CBC they were traffic officers.

Manitoba's police oversight body, the Independent Investigation Unit, said Friday thatit was notified of "irregular and improper conduct of two officers" and isassessing whether charges should be laid.

Sources said one of theofficers placed on leave was at The Pint, the same downtown restaurant and bar thatHolzwas atbefore the crash.A source told CBC the officerwas not drinking withHolzat The Pint.

Smythsaid drinkingafter work is not considered troubling.Instead he was concerned about "actions that occurred after Mr. Severightwas struck."

The police chief said he could not provide details because the IIU is now involved, but he said the force will deal with any improper actions "head on."

"As you can see through my actions I don't have a lot of tolerance for people that aren't going to do their job or act professionally," said Smyth.

A homicide sergeant has been assigned to work with the Independent Investigation Unitto co-ordinate Winnipeg police involvement in the investigation.

Public information Const. Jay Murray said it is common for IIU to work with homicide detectives on complex cases like this because they have extensive knowledge in areas like forensics that can be useful in the investigation.

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The news comes the same daySeveright'sfamily gatheredto hold a funeral for him inWaywayseecappoFirst Nation. They are demandingjustice and a thorough investigation.

Holzwas released on bail on a promise to appear in court Nov. 22.

RAW: Full WPS press conference

7 years ago

Duration 7:47

Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smyth announces two more officers have been put on leave after the investigation into fatal hit and run.