In a significant development, a Winnipeg police constable has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act for his alleged involvement in a downtown motor vehicle crash.
The accident occurred on the night of April 16 near the junction of Notre Dame Boulevard and Donald Street. Early images showed the serious scale of the accident, with a police cruiser crashing into a local building and a small red civilian vehicle sustaining extensive damage.
Regular traffic was prohibited as law enforcement officials cordoned off the crash scene with evidence markings on the ground. The driver of the red car, a civilian, suffered fractures to his ribs in the accident and was immediately treated at a local hospital. The two police officers reportedly involved in the accident underwent medical examinations and were later cleared.
Due to the severity of the civilian injuries, Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), which is tasked with overseeing matters involving police, launched a thorough investigation into the incident.
Following the findings announced Wednesday, the IIU indicted Const. Landan Ramage was charged under the Road Traffic Act with failing to activate a siren and failing to give due consideration to safety while driving. These charges have not yet been heard in court.
While addressing these charges, Const. Ramage remains an active member of the Winnipeg Police Service. As is customary, the incident will be subject to a comprehensive review by the Police Collision Review Board.
IIU declines to comment further on this matter, citing its tenure within the judicial system. All involved are awaiting the next steps in the process, demonstrating the balance of law enforcement responsibility and accountability in dire circumstances.