Unprovoked bear spray incident at mall, suspect flees: C25-251541

Released: October 22, 2025 at 12:03 p.m.

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On October 21, 2025, around 6:00 p.m., General Patrol officers from West District, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Team and the K9 Unit responded to the 1400 block of Portage Avenue for the report of a bear spray-related assault in the mall.

A male victim in his early teens suffered the effects of being sprayed. He was medically cleared onscene by paramedics. Additional people in the area may have been affected by the spray but not identified.

The initial investigation determined the victim was randomly approached by the suspect who said something to him, then sprayed him and ran off. Security was alerted and police were notified. The victim does not know the suspect.

  • He is described as a male wearing a black hoodie tied on his head, blue jeans and black running shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org

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