Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit has taken over an investigation after a Winnipeg police officer shot and injured an 18-year-old woman while responding to reports of gunfire early Monday morning.
The Winnipeg Police Service said a North District officer was in the area of Aikins Street and College Avenue at about 2:27 a.m. on Aug. 3 when he heard multiple gunshots nearby.
According to police, the officer immediately went to investigate and encountered a woman and a 16-year-old youth. Police said a use of force incident followed, during which the officer discharged their firearm, injuring the woman.
Officers provided emergency medical care at the scene before the woman was taken to hospital in unstable condition. Police said her condition was later upgraded to stable.
Police said investigators recovered a firearm from the suspects.
The Winnipeg Police Service said investigators have linked the woman and the youth to a shooting outside a home in the 300 block of College Avenue that happened at approximately the same time the officer heard the gunfire.
The 16-year-old youth was arrested. Police have not released any charges.
Because the incident meets the definition of a serious incident under The Police Services Act, the Winnipeg Police Service notified Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit, which has assumed responsibility for the investigation.
The IIU will now lead the investigation, and Winnipeg police have directed all further inquiries to the civilian oversight agency. Information in this story is based on a Winnipeg Police Service news release.