The investigation is now closed, concerning an off-duty RCMP officer who accidentally shot himself in the foot near Grunthal, Man., while goose hunting.

On November 29, RCMP notified the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) of an incident that occurred on September 7, during which an off-duty RCMP Constable called to report he had accidentally discharged his firearm into his left foot.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and St. Pierre RCMP were dispatched. Attending officers reported that the subject officer was treated by EMS and had a bandage over the big toe on his left foot. No further details were provided.

An injury caused by the discharge of a firearm is defined as a serious injury under IIU regulations, and so an IIU investigation was mandatory.

IIU investigators say a lack of information significantly affected their ability to gather evidence. Investigators say scene examination was impossible since the notification of the IIU was received nearly three months after the incident occurred. The IIU suggests witness officers failed to make notes of their contact with the subject officer on the date of the incident and did not identify, inspect or seize the officer’s firearm. The IIU also says a potential eyewitness was never identified, nor was contact information recorded.

According to the IIU, the subject officer declined to participate in an interview with investigators and declined to consent to the release of his medical information, which prevented the IIU from substantiating the nature and extent of the officer’s injuries.

The IIU says all of these issues rendered their investigation null. Therefore, the investigation is now complete and the matter is closed.