Missing man found in bush dies after being taken into RCMP custody near Manitoba-Saskatchewan border

Manitoba's police watchdog has launched an investigation into the death of a man in RCMP custody.

Mounties from the Kamsack, Sask., detachment received a report around 7 p.m. Sunday that a man was missing in the area around Madge Lake, located a short distance away from the Manitoba border, according to a Monday news release from the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba.

RCMP officers from the western Manitoba detachments of Russell, Roblin, Dauphin and Swan River, as well as conservation officers from both provinces searched for the missing man, who was described in the release as being ill-dressed for the frigid winter weather.

A drone was also deployed to help look for the man in the dense bush area about 200 to 300 metres from officers, the watchdog said.

The man was found, searched and handcuffed for the safety of officers since there was an indication he might have a weapon, according to the release.

He was breathing and had a pulse when we was carried from the bush by officers, but was found to no longer have a pulse after arriving at police vehicles. 

The man was given CPR and transported to a Swan River hospital where he later died early Monday morning, the release said.

Manitoba's police watchdog was informed of the incident later that day.

Since the matter involved a fatality, the watchdog is requesting the Manitoba Police Commission appoint a civilian monitor.

The investigation is ongoing.

Witnesses or individuals who have information or video footage that may assist the investigation are asked to contact the Manitoba's police watchdog toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.