No charges recommended against officers in deadly Winnipeg police shooting

An investigation has concluded that police were justified in fatally shooting Mark Dicesare in November 2015 and that no charges should be laid against any officer.

"After a fulsome review of the entire investigative file it is clear that the affected person was intent on taking his own life," Zane Tessler, director of Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit, told reporters Thursday in downtown Winnipeg.

Dicesare, 24, died of gunshot wounds after a wild chase and standoffwith police at Grant Avenue andKenastonBoulevard on Nov. 6, 2015.

Dicesare'sbullet-riddled vehicle was seen in the middle of a field across from the decommissionedKapyongBarracks, where the standoff took place. He washospitalizedand later died.

• Man shot by police near Kenaston Boulevard dies in hospital
• Mark Dicesare ID'd as man shot dead following chase with Winnipeg police

No officers were injured, Winnipeg policeConst. JasonMichalyshentold CBC News at the time.

Manitoba'sIndependentInvestigation Unit, whichprobes all serious incidents involving the police, reviewed the incident and released its findings Thursday morning.

Nineteen police vehicles andmembers of the tactical unitsurrounded Dicesare's vehicle in the field after a chase that spanned "at least 22 kilometres," Tessler said.

Nearly 40 officers and 96 civilian witnesses were interviewed as part of the review, which found Dicesare was asked "at least 33 times" by a police 911 operator and officers on the scene to drop his weapon and surrender.

'You guys do it for me'

The weapon turned out to be an unloaded "air gun, a BB gun" that resembled an Uzi submachine gun, Tessler said.

Communication between theofficers and Dicesare, captured on an open line to the 911 operator, revealedDicesare wanted to end his life by having police shoot him, the report states.

Dicesarestepped out of his vehicle twice, in each case turning the BB gun barrel toward his own chin, Tessler said.

The second time, helowered the gunand aimed it at officers while saying"I'm going to have you guys do it for me, I'm so sorry," moments before officers opened fire, Tessler said.

"This matter is indeed a tragedy. Ayoung life was lost, a family and close friends have been left to grieve and the involved officers will inevitably relive this event time and time again," Tessler said.

Dicesare was hit nine times with bullets fromcarbines, handguns and a shotgun. Fifteenshells were located around the scene, Tessler said.

Winnipeg police say air guns are the No. 1kind of "firearm" used in the commission ofcrimes in Winnipeg more than double the next most popular kind of firearm, rifles.

"This is an unfortunateyet all too familiar situation that is seen across Canada and the United States,"Tessler said.

No ill will

An autopsy revealed Dicesare hadcocaine, THC (found in marijuana) and diazepam in his system, the latter drug often clinically usedtotreat anxiety, muscle spasms or alcohol withdrawal.

Different tests also showed he had a blood alcohol level between.075 and 0.146, Tessler said.

He also saidDicesare's family holds no ill will towardthe Winnipeg police and tactical unit members who were there that day.

"They understand what happened they hold no grudges or blame on the police for what had transpired,"Tessler said. "They should be allowed time to grieve."

Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smythacknowledged the challenging situation officers were in the day of the police shooting and the impact it had on the community.

"No memberof the Winnipeg Police Service wants to be confronted with such a violent situation, and no member would ever take lightly the burden of having to take another life," Smyth said in a statement."I appreciate the job done by our officers to limit further injury."

Winnipeg Police Association presidentMoeSabourinsaid he is thankful the investigation has come to a close.

"We're happy that the decision that has come down, but unfortunately there has been a loss of life,"Sabourinsaid."Any time that happens it is a very tragic situation, and we feel for the family and for the members that were involved."

An inquest has been called under Manitoba'sFatalities Inquiry Act.