The Manitoba police watchdog has concluded that no criminal charges will be filed against the Winnipeg Police Service officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man outside a busy shopping centre last year.
The Incident at Unicity Shopping Centre
The officer-involved shooting occurred on November 24, 2024, at the Unicity Shopping Centre in Winnipeg's St. James neighbourhood. According to the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU), the province's civilian-led police oversight agency, police were responding to a call for service when they encountered an armed individual in the parking lot.
The situation escalated, leading officers to discharge their firearms. The man, whose identity has not been publicly released by authorities, was pronounced dead at the scene. The IIU, mandated to investigate all serious incidents involving police in the province, immediately took over the investigation.
A Year-Long Investigation Concludes
After a comprehensive investigation that spanned more than a year, the IIU announced its decision on December 16, 2025. In a statement, the agency's civilian director determined that the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges against the involved officers.
The IIU's process typically involves collecting witness statements, reviewing police communications, examining physical evidence, and analyzing forensic reports. While the full detailed report is not public, the agency stated its findings indicated the officers' actions were legally justified under the circumstances they faced.
Community Impact and Police Protocol
Fatal police shootings are among the most scrutinized actions undertaken by law enforcement, often sparking public debate about use of force, de-escalation tactics, and police accountability. The decision not to lay charges brings a legal conclusion to this case, though it may not resolve broader community questions.
The Winnipeg Police Service, following standard protocol, placed the involved officers on administrative duties pending the IIU's investigation. With the investigation now closed, the police service will conduct its own internal review to determine if any policy or procedure changes are required.
The IIU's announcement marks the end of a difficult chapter for all parties involved, including the man's family, the responding officers, and the Winnipeg community. It underscores the complex and often tragic nature of police work where split-second decisions are made in volatile situations.
