The tragic incident that unfolded on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg, where a man was fatally shot by police, has taken a poignant turn as the victim’s identity is revealed. Afolabi Stephen Opaso, a 19-year-old international student hailing from Nigeria, met a tragic end at the hands of Winnipeg police, according to statements from Jean-René-Dominique Kwilu, a Winnipeg lawyer assisting Opaso’s family.
The events leading to Opaso’s death began on December 31 around 2:20 p.m., when police were summoned to an apartment suite in the first 100 block of University Crescent following reports of a man displaying erratic behavior. The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) was informed of the shooting, which occurred during a confrontation between two officers and Opaso, who was reportedly armed with two knives.
Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth disclosed on Monday that the encounter resulted in the use of force, culminating in one officer discharging their weapon, leaving Opaso critically injured. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Opaso succumbed to his injuries.
Kwilu shed light on the circumstances leading to the distressing incident, stating that Opaso was experiencing a mental health episode when a 911 call was made by someone in the suite. Witnesses recounted emphasizing the mental health nature of the situation to the emergency services, asserting that Opaso posed no threat to others and was in need of assistance.
According to Kwilu, there is no indication that Opaso initiated an attack on the police. Opaso’s family, who are not currently in Winnipeg, are grappling with shock and trauma, having sent their son abroad with hopes of education, only to receive news of his tragic demise.
Kwilu expressed the family’s concerns regarding the police handling of the situation, questioning why a call for mental health assistance resulted in Opaso’s death. He pointed out that the incident should have triggered the Alternative Response to Citizens in Crisis (ARCC) program, but Winnipeg police contend that the criteria were not met due to safety concerns.
As the IIU launches an investigation into the shooting, it urges anyone with information to come forward. The IIU also disclosed plans to request the Manitoba Police Commission to appoint a civilian monitor, given the gravity of the matter involving a fatality. At this time, no further details have been provided, leaving the community and Opaso’s grieving family in search of answers.