WINNIPEG — The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has stepped in to monitor the Winnipeg police investigation into the theft of an RCMP officer’s firearm used to shoot a 16-year-old girl.
READ MORE: Winnipeg girl shot with stolen RCMP gun speaks publicly
Police say the suspects broke into a marked off-duty RCMP member’s car parked in his driveway in Southeast Winnipeg.
The IIU will assume a formal review and monitoring role related to the stolen firearm investigation according to news release Friday afternoon. This means they may require information and updates about the status of the investigation, assign a civilian monitor to watch over the progress of the investigation and receive the results of the investigation when complete. The IIU may “assume conduct of the investigation, if the civilian director considers it in the public interest to do so” according to the release.
RCMP Chief Superintendent Scott Kolody sent out a news release describing their policies on the proper storage of an officer’s firearms:
I can confirm that our policies and training make it clear that a duty firearm is to be secured and rendered inoperable when stored. Whether or not the firearm in this case was properly stored is a question that will be answered by the independent criminal investigation being carried out by the WPS. As to whether any criminal charges will result, is again a question to be answered by the WPS.
The 16-year-old shooting victim, Calli Vanderaa, was out with friends at a Macs convenience store in Windsor Park at 12:30 a.m. Saturday when they encountered two men who allegedly shouted at them and flashed gang signs. One of the men approached their vehicle and shot inside, hitting Vanderaa in the chest. The firearm used in the shooting was the stolen RCMP officer’s weapon.
READ MORE: Winnipeg father of teen girl shot with stolen RCMP gun wants answers
Police arrested 25-year-old Matthew Andrew Miles after a six hour standoff on Keenleyside Street Sunday. He’s facing 11 charges including theft. 22-year-old Matthew Wilfred McKay was arrested a short time later and faces 30 charges including attempted murder.
RELATED: One in custody after police standoff in East Elmwood
The IIU is a civilian organization that investigates serious incidents involving police.
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