The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) of Manitoba is working on a case of a collision between a police cruiser and van.

In a release, Winnipeg Police Service (WPS), says, "On July 13, 2019, at approximately 7:20 p.m., a Winnipeg Police Service General Patrol unit was in the area of Salter Street and Aberdeen Ave. investigating a suspicious male in the area."

A second unit was called to assist and as they travelled westbound on Aberdeen, this marked cruiser car crossed Salter Street and collided with a van travelling southbound on Salter.

WPS says, "Four occupants of the van, as well as the two officers in the cruiser, were taken to hospital where they were treated and released."

The intersection was shut down until approximately 3:15 a.m. on July 14 while detailed forensic analysis was conducted.

In response to questions as to why the release came so late from WPS, Constable Rob Carver says, "We have to have enough information so that we know it is accurate."

"In this case, and in all cases, we need to make sure we understand what's happened before we just randomly move forward."

Carver emphasizes that it is better to have the basic facts and understanding of a situation before releasing any information to the public: "A story with inaccurate facts, impartial information, is hard to correct. It is not our job - I know the media wants it early - but it's not our job to be so premature that we get it wrong."

Carver, on behalf of WPS, says that very little information can be given to media on this incident as IIU will conduct the investigation.

"It would be speculative for me to look at a video and make comments about that ... This [video] would be looked at to see if there is some sort of culpability that could move into the criminal realm. If that is the case, I would be in contempt of court if I were to comment on that video."