IIU investigating after video showed police punching man in handcuffs

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU)is investigating after a cellphone video published by CBC News showed a Winnipeg police officer punching a man in handcuffs.

It happened on Nov. 22, near the intersection of McGregor Street and Magnus Avenue whenpolice responded to a traffic stop, said the IIU.When an individual fled from the vehicle, police said they chased the man on foot.

• Cellphone video showspolice officer punching handcuffed suspect, police say force justified

"After a struggle, the suspect was eventually placed in handcuffs and transported to a police station, where he complained of dizziness and pain to his head," a news release from the IIU states.

A witness to the event told CBC News that the man, a youth, was handcuffed when he saw police punch him in the back of the head before he was taken into a police vehicle. He described the incident as "disturbing."

The man in handcuffs was taken to hospital where he was treated and released back into police custody, the IIU said.

The IIU said the man did not have any serious injuries from the incident but the unit's civilian director believed there was a public interest in investigating the case.

Witnesses and other individuals who have information or video footage that may assist this investigation are askedto contact the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.