No Charges Recommended for Off-Duty Officer in Manitoba Teen Doorbell Prank Incident
An off-duty RCMP officer who handcuffed a Manitoba teenager during a doorbell prank will not face criminal charges, according to a police watchdog report released Wednesday.
The incident occurred in March 2026 when the teen and friends were playing a prank involving ringing doorbells in a Winnipeg neighbourhood. The off-duty officer, who was at home at the time, confronted the group and detained one 16-year-old boy at gunpoint before handcuffing him.
Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) reviewed the case and concluded that while the officer's actions were forceful, they did not meet the threshold for criminal charges. The IIU noted that the officer believed the teen posed a threat, given recent reports of similar pranks escalating into violence.
However, the watchdog criticized the officer for not identifying himself as police and for using excessive force. The RCMP has launched an internal disciplinary review.
The teen's family expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the officer's actions were traumatizing and disproportionate. They are considering a civil lawsuit.
