Police watchdog investigating after man arrested by Winnipeg officers suffers broken ribs

The province's police watchdog is investigating after a man who was arrested Thursday suffered two broken ribs.

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service wentto a residence on Ross Avenue West around 3:05 p.m. Thursday and received information that a man at the location was wanted on three arrest warrants, a news release from the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba said Friday.

The unit which is mandated to look into all serious incidents involving police in Manitoba said officers then went to the area of Keewatin Street and Pacific Avenue where at around 3:27 p.m.they saw the man walking with an "unknown female." When officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, he fled east on Pacific Avenue, but was caught shortly after, the release said.

A release from Winnipeg police Thursday said the man resisted arrest and a Taser was used.The police release said while officers attempted to control the man, the female he was with interfered with the officers' actions.

The man was arrested on the strength of the three warrants, as well as resisting an officer, and the female has been charged with obstructing an officer.

WATCH |Witness's video of arrest on Pacific Avenue Thursday:

Police watchdog investigating after man is injured during arrest by Winnipeg police

10 months ago

Duration 0:36

Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit is looking into the arrest of a man by Winnipeg police Thursday afternoon, after he was found to have sustained two broken ribs. Witness Sarah Canicula recorded video of the arrest from her car.

Friday's IIU release also said the man was taken into custody, complainedof shortness of breath and dizziness and paramedics were called to the scene. He was transported to hospital for treatment where it was determined he had two brokenribs.

Sarah Canicula was driving in the area when she saw the arrest and recorded video on her phone.

"I stopped by the side and just kind of see that they're arresting the guy with a lady with him," she said. "At first I saw one police car and then after a couple of minutes, couple of cars came and they eventually arrested the guy."

Given the injuries meet the definition of a "serious injury" under IIU regulations, the unit is mandated to investigate, the release said.

The IIU is asking anyone with information or video footage that may assist the investigation to call 1-844-667-6060. The investigation is ongoing, the unit said.