On January 6, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a retail business in the 900 block of Milt Stegall Drive for the report of male youths shoplifting from the premises, with one armed with a canister of bear spray.
West District Community Support Unit officers attended the area and observed two suspects at Empress Street and Ellice Avenue. The suspects fled in separate directions; however, were quickly apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit. During their arrest, one suspect offered some resistance while the other produced and brandished a canister of bear spray toward officers before discarding it. Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident. The canister of bear spray was recovered and seized as evidence.
Through their investigation, officers learned the suspects stole three boxes of “Confetti Poppers” (valued at approximately $150.00) from the retail business before fleeing on foot. One of the suspects produced a canister of bear spray and assaulted a 61-year-old male victim who had intervened. The victim suffered no effects from the bear spray (no contact), and the stolen property was recovered.
A 14-yr-old male from Winnipeg is facing the following charges:
- Robbery
- Assault with a Weapon
- Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon
- Resist Peace Officer
A 12-year-old male from Winnipeg is facing the following charges:
- Robbery
- Resist Peace Officer
Both were released on Undertakings as mandated by the Criminal Code.