Family urges witnesses to come forward in shooting of man by RCMP officer
The family of a man who was shot by an RCMP officer in Thompson, Man., is asking any witnesses to come forward.
“We would like to encourage people to come forward that have witnessed the shooting of my brother, Little Ray,” said Kikiwani Mikisew Iskwew, the sister of the man who was shot, at an MKO news conference on Wednesday.
“Your interpretation of what you’ve seen matters. We recognize that we must work collectively to make change.”
The incident took place on Monday afternoon when an officer was on Princeton Drive to serve legal documents.
Mounties said the officer encountered a 30-year-old man who they allege was armed with a knife. RCMP said the officer fired their gun.
The man was taken to the hospital with a serious injury and is now in stable condition.
Videos of the incident have been posted to social media, where a single shot can be heard.
The Independent Investigation Unit is investigating the incident.
Iskwew said she feels the incident could have been handled differently.
“There were other measures that could have been put in place to de-escalate the situation,” she said.
“The RCMP officer could have used nonviolent intervention strategies to de-escalate the situation by remaining calm and by using his voice.”
She noted there have been allegations of her brother having a knife on him, but says after reviewing the video she doesn’t see evidence of him having a weapon.
“We are also disheartened by the forceful handle of Ray from the officer on duty after the shooting,” Iskwew said.
“Also from the response time of the ambulance. But we noticed that there were seven cruisers on the crime scene that responded to Little Ray, who was already not a threat.”
Iskwew added that her family is still in shock over the video that is circulating online, noting they are traumatized.
“Our family loves each other,” she said.
“Ray is loved from each of us. Ray is a son, a brother, an uncle, and a father to five beautiful children.”
Iskwew said when reflecting on her brother’s approach, people need to remember not to judge him for the state he was in.
“This does not justify the actions taken,” she said.
“Ray is only human, and like all humans, we all make mistakes.”
Iskwew asks people to contact 431-374-9155 with their videos and eyewitness accounts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
BUDGET 2024 Feds cutting 5,000 public service jobs, looking to turn underused buildings into housing
Five thousand public service jobs will be cut over the next four years, while underused federal office buildings, Canada Post properties and the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa could be turned into new housing units, as the federal government looks to find billions of dollars in savings and boost the country's housing portfolio.
Some of the winners and losers in the 2024 federal budget
With a variety of fiscal and policy measures announced in the federal budget, winners include small businesses and fintech companies while losers include the tobacco industry and Canadian pension funds.
From housing initiatives to a disability benefit, how the federal budget impacts you
From plans to boost new housing stock, encourage small businesses, and increase taxes on Canada’s top-earners, CTVNews.ca has sifted through the 416-page budget to find out what will make the biggest difference to your pocketbook.
Lululemon unveils first summer kit for Canada's Olympic and Paralympic teams
Lululemon showed off its collection for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics on Tuesday at the Liberty Grand entertainment complex. Athletes sported a variety of selections during a fashion show that featured garments to be worn on the podium, during opening and closing ceremonies, media interviews and daily life on the ground in France.
Teen hockey players arrested for sexual assault following hazing incident: Manitoba RCMP
Three teenagers were arrested in connection with a pair of alleged hazing incidents on a Manitoba hockey team, police say.
Toronto police arrest several people at rail line protest
Several people have been arrested at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city’s west end that has been blocking rail lines for hours.
'I Google': Why phonebooks are becoming obsolete
Phonebooks have been in circulation since the 19th century. These days, in this high-tech digital world, if someone needs a phone number, 'I Google,' said Bridgewater, N.S., resident Wayne Desouza.
Police to announce arrests in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist
Police say that arrests have been made in connection with a $20-million gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport one year ago.