Man critically injured in fall down stairs during arrest, Winnipeg police say
Man was handcuffed for own safety after armed barricade situation, according to police; watchdog investigating
WARNING: This story includes reference to self-harm.
Manitoba's police watchdog is investigating after Winnipeg police say a man handcuffed by officers for his own safety fell down stairs in a St. Boniface apartment block Thursday and was hospitalized in critical condition.
Officers were called to an apartment on the 200 block of Bertrand Street, between Taché Avenue and Enfield Crescent, just before 7:30 p.m. Thursday with a report a suicidal man in his 60s was armed with an edged weapon, according to a news release from the Winnipeg Police Service.
The man spoke to officers through the door but refused to come out, threatening to take his own life, police said.
Winnipeg police crisis negotiation and tactical support teams — as well as mental health clinicians from the city's alternative response to citizens in crisis, or ARCC, team — were called to the apartment after police deemed the incident an armed and barricaded situation.
The man came out of the suite after about two hours of communicating with police. He was handcuffed for his own safety, but broke free from officers and fell down a staircase as he was being led down, according to police.
He was seriously injured in the fall and taken by ambulance to hospital, where he remained in critical condition as of early Friday afternoon, police said in their news release.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, the province's police watchdog agency, has been notified about the injury and has taken over the investigation into the incident, the news release said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:
- Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
- This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.