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In both incidents, police say they pursued each man before officers fatally shot him, the report notes.

DiCesare was accused of pointing what appeared to be a sub-machine gun at a police officer, then leading police on a high-speed chase while waving the apparent weapon out a window. When police stopped the vehicle, they allege he pointed the apparent gun at officers, leading shots to be fired.

The report says the weapon was later determined to be a replica BB gun.

“In the DiCesare case, the firearm was a replica and did not pose a real threat of grave harm. There was no way, however, for police to know this and an incorrect assumption that the weapon was fake could mean the death of one or more officers,” wrote Choy.

“The availability of imitation firearms in society makes it more likely that police will be provoked to use lethal force,” she later added.

In Sefa’s case, police allege he pointed a handgun at officers and refused to drop it, which also led officers to shoot.

In relation to both cases, the inquiry doesn’t recommend police act differently in the future.

“I do not think there is anything that could be changed regarding the conduct of the WPS which might serve to prevent a death from occurring in similar circumstances in the future,” wrote Choy.

Manitoba Justice Minister Cliff Cullen said the Thursday report marked the first time he’s been asked to make such a change.

“Certainly, our justice department will be looking at the recommendations that were in that report and we’ll take it from there,” said Cullen.

The minister said he also welcomes input from Manitoba law enforcement agencies on the idea.

In an email, WPS confirmed its support for the regulation of imitation weapons, which was also noted in the inquest report.

“The WPS believes this would reduce risk to members of law enforcement and to the public,” the statement said.

jpursaga@postmedia.com

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun