The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has completed its review into the death of a woman following an arrest by RCMP in the community of Vogar earlier this year.
After examining all circumstances, the agency confirms no charges will be laid.
Incident begins with 911 hang-up
The investigation stems from an incident on January 15.
RCMP say they were dispatched around 8 p.m. to a residence after a 911 call was disconnected. When officers arrived, they found a woman under the influence of drugs and learned she had allegedly tried to use a weapon on someone at the home.
She was arrested and taken into custody.
While being transported by police to Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern for a medical assessment, the woman became unresponsive. Officers stopped their vehicle, called for emergency services and began providing care.
She was taken by ambulance to Lakeshore and later transferred to St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. The woman died in hospital the next day.
Investigation now closed
Because the incident involved a death in custody, the IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation under Section 65(4) of the Police Services Act.
A civilian monitor was also requested through the Manitoba Police Commission, and two RCMP officers were designated as witnesses.
The IIU says there will be no charges laid in connection with the case. The civilian director has reviewed the evidence, which includes accounts from two police witnesses and two civilians.
The IIU adds the case is now considered closed and the full report is available to the public at www.iiumanitoba.ca.
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