The Winnipeg Police Service is issuing a public advisory regarding an assault of a middle-school-age youth on the evening of July 24, 2022, in the Grace Hospital neighbourhood.
General Patrol officers met with the victim and her family, receiving details of the incident. The report was subsequently forwarded to the Child Investigations Unit to continue the investigation.
Through their investigation, investigators learned that between 7:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., on July 24, a female youth was walking her service dog southbound on Meadowlark Place towards Athlone Drive. An unknown adult male approached her from the south, grabbed her by the arm, and began pulling her toward the street. The girl verbally directed the male to stop; however, the male maintained his hold and proceeded to kick the protective dog in the body. The victim managed to scream, punch the suspect, and free herself from the suspect. Her scream alerted her mother who was within hearing distance. The suspect was observed fleeing southbound towards the Grace Hospital. The victim’s mother located the victim nearby and brought her home to safety, where police were contacted. She received minor injury which did not require medical attention.
The suspect is described as:
- male with tan/olive skin with undereye discoloration described as purple
- approximately 6’0” in height with an average build
- wearing black pants with white stripes down the sides, black shoes with white/grey soles, and a black jacket with grey and white on the sleeves
- black balaclava with a black mask covering the mouth area (forming a triangle at the bottom below the chin)
Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this suspect. Anyone who may have been in the area and have any information is asked to contact the Child Investigations Unit at 204-986-3296.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has a helpful safety link: Kids In The Know
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review these safety tips with their children for personal and online safety.