On September 4, 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to multiple assault incidents involving the same adult male suspect and three victims in the Downtown area.
- At approximately 11:30 a.m., officers from the Downtown Foot Patrol and Community Support Unit, assisted by members of the Tactical Support Team (TST), attended the 200 block of Hargrave Street and located a 68-year-old male victim suffering from minor upper-body injuries sustained from being stabbed. He did not seek medical attention for his injuries. The suspect fled before police arrived.
- At approximately 11:45 a.m., Foot Patrol members attended the 300 block of St. Mary Avenue and located a 39-year-old male victim suffering from upper-body injuries sustained from being assaulted and stabbed. He was transported to hospital in stable condition and treated for his injuries. The suspect fled before police arrived.
Through their investigations, officers obtained a description of the suspect and determined him to be involved in both incidents mentioned above.
- At approximately 12:10 p.m., TST members traveling southbound on Israel Asper Way were flagged down by security personnel following a male matching the suspect’s description. A 48-year-old female security officer advised that the suspect had physically assaulted her but relayed no injury. TST members arrested the suspect without incident.
Investigators identified the male and linked him to all three incidents.
While in police custody, the suspect also assaulted a Central Processing Officer who did not require medical attention.
Blair Justice WHITEWAY, 28, of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following offences:
- Assault with a Weapon x 2
- Assault
- Assault a Peace Officer
- Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order x 2
The assault victims and suspect were not previously known to one another, and investigators believe the assaults to be random and unprovoked.
Whiteway was detained in custody.