Assault Weapon – Arrest: C25-29540

Released: February 10, 2025 at 12:36 p.m.

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On February 9, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a report of an armed male disrupting a church service in the 300 block of Selkirk Avenue.

North District General Patrol officers attended and learned that a 50-year-old male suspect armed with a knife approached the altar during a service and advanced toward a 38-year-old pastor (victim). The suspect attempted to assault the victim, who managed to escape unharmed. The suspect drove the knife into the altar before sitting in a chair at the back of the altar. No injuries were reported during the incident.

An off-duty RCMP member, with the assistance of other church attendees, detained the suspect until police arrived and took him into custody.

Pawel OLOWNIA, 50 yrs of Winnipeg has been charged with the following:

  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Possession of a Weapon
  • Disturb Meeting - Assemblage of Persons

He was detained in custody.

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