Cops cleared of misconduct after suspect fleeing arrest breaks rib: police watchdog

Manitoba's police watchdog found no evidence of wrongdoing byofficers who tackled, punched and kicked a suspectwho sustained a broken rib in Thompson, Man.

The Independent Investigation Unit was obligated toinvestigate the March 2018 incident since the arrested suspect sustained a serious injury during the course ofpolice's involvement, said a news release Friday.

Police arrived at a Thompson residence on March 13to remove the intoxicated suspect from the home. He ran away when an officer tried to apprehend him, IIU said.

Other officers chased after the fleeing suspect, tackled the man to the ground and punched and kicked him. Once in jail, he complained of pain in his rib. He was diagnosed with a broken rib.

IIU civilian director Zane Tesslerdetermined the seven attendingpolice officers did not subject the man to unnecessary and excessive force. It was clear the man was not willing to be detained and was bent on escaping and using force to resist arrest, the news release said.

The affected man recalled few details of his arrest. He did not know how he sustained a broken rib and whether the police were involved.

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