Not yet clear if RCMP protocol followed for gun used to shoot Winnipeg teen

WINNIPEG – Manitoba RCMP were still working Friday to determine whether an officer whose gun was stolen and used in a shooting had followed protocol for storing the weapon.

The gun was taken Oct. 23 from the officer’s marked vehicle, which was parked outside his home. Winnipeg police say the gun was used in a shooting hours later that left a 16-year-old girl in critical condition in hospital.

“I can confirm that our policies and training make it clear that a duty firearm is to be secured and rendered inoperable when stored,” RCMP Chief Supt. Scott Kolody said in a written statement.

“Whether or not the firearm in this case was properly stored is a question that will be answered by the independent criminal investigation being carried out by the (Winnipeg police).”

The officer whose firearm was stolen remains on duty pending the outcome of the investigation, Kolody added.

Winnipeg police have charged two men — Matthew Wilfred McKay, 22, and Matthew Andrew Miles, 25 — with theft and weapons offences. McKay has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

According to Winnipeg police, two suspects exchanged words with a group of young people sitting in a vehicle in a convenience store parking lot. One allegedly approached the car with a gun and took aim at those inside.

A 16-year-old girl was shot once in the chest and was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

The girl, Calli Vanderaa, told Global News Thursday she remembered the gun being fired as the car she was in backed away and did not immediately realize she had been hit.

Her friends pulled over and called 911 and police arrived within three minutes, she added.

Kolody said he had spoken to the girl’s father to express his sympathy.

He also said all RCMP officers in Manitoba have been reminded about firearm storage.

“While we do not yet know the full details and circumstances surrounding how the firearm was stolen, I have nonetheless directed all members of the RCMP in Manitoba to review our policies and to be highly cognizant of their responsibilities and the extreme importance for the proper handling, transportation and storage of RCMP firearms and intervention equipment at all times.”