An almost year-long investigation has cleared Winnipeg police officers of using excessive force in an arrest in January.

Police were called to the 2600 block of Pembina Highway just before midnight on January 18 for reports of a woman in distress. Officers reported that when they arrived the 19-year-old female appeared to be intoxicated, and attempted to take her into custody, at which time she allegedly resisted. After she was placed in handcuffs she complained of a sore arm and officers took her to Victoria General Hospital where she was treated for a fractured arm. 

The Independent Investigation Unit began an investigation the following day as a fracture is considered a serious injury.

The IIU released a report on Tuesday saying that they interviewed several people including the injured person, the arresting officer, a witness officer, and two civilian witnesses.

The IIU then sent their report to Manitoba Prosecution Service requesting a review of the report and opinion on whether criminal charges should be laid against the officer in question. The MPS says in a statement that while it believes police officers must be "held accountable, there must also be a reasonable likelihood of conviction for MPS to prosecute the matter." The MPS concluded that there was reasonable doubt as to whether the officer's actions constituted excessive force, and felt conviction was not likely as a result.

As a result of the MPS opinion, the IIU says it has closed the matter and closed the case.