On January 21, 2026, The Winnipeg Police Service responded to the report of a stabbing in the 1000 block of Empress Street involving several individuals known to each other. Two men sustained injuries and were transported to hospital. The suspect was later located and taken into custody.
At approximately 6:10 p.m., a 27-year-old suspect entered a department store in the 1000 block of Empress Street, selected several items of clothing, and concealed the items under his jacket.
As the suspect exited the store, he encountered two men, aged 34 and 41, previously known to him, leading to a verbal dispute (not related to the theft of clothing). The suspect located a nearby fire extinguisher and sprayed the two men before emptying the remainder of the extinguisher about the store. The altercation moved into the parking lot, where it escalated to point where a knife was produced. Both men sustained injuries consistent with having been assaulted with a knife.
The suspect fled in a vehicle prior to police arrival. West District General Patrol officers attended and provided first aid to the victims until the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service arrived. Both were transported to hospital and later listed in stable condition.
At 11:13 p.m., North District General Patrol officers observed the suspect vehicle in the area of Alfred Avenue and Salter Street and conducted a traffic stop. A 27-year-old man was taken into custody, and a knife was seized during his arrest.
The investigation has been assumed by the Major Crimes Unit and remains ongoing.
A 27-year-old man had been charged with the following:
- Aggravated Assault
- Assault with a Weapon x 2
- Mischief Over $5,000
- Theft Under $5000
He was detained in custody.
Anyone with information, including video captured by phone or dash cam, is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org