On July 24, 2026, around 10:15 p.m., on-site security (a man-victim 2) was at an apartment block in the 600 block of Sherbrook Street when he was approached by a woman (victim 1) who indicated she had been assaulted by an adult family member inside a suite. She requested assistance in retrieving her property from the suite. When the security member attended the suite, he was confronted by the accused, who was armed with a knife. He held the knife to the security person’s throat, and threatened to kill him.
The security member managed to run out and called 911, while the armed man remained inside the suite.
Officers from Central District, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Team (TST), K9 and the Drone Unit attended and determined the situation had transitioned into an armed and barricaded incident.
The accused proceeded to set a fire inside the suite and the building quickly became smoke filled. Approximately two dozen tenants (including children) were safely evacuated by officers. No injuries were reported.
Members from TST gained access to the suite where the accused eventually dropped the weapon and TST entered through the active fire, removing the accused from the suite into the hallway.
While taking him into custody, the accused was combative and a use of force encounter occurred. He was placed in handcuffs and extracted from the burning building.
The accused was transported to hospital and treated for minor injuries.
The original female victim declined medical attention at the time.
One of the ten officers who entered the building was assessed by members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service for smoke inhalation and did not require hospitalization.
Timothy Bret McKAY (24) is charged with the following offences:
- Arson with Disregard for Human Life
- Assault with a Weapon
- Assault
- Resist Peace Officer
McKAY was detained in custody.