Man assaulted from behind with machete at North End park
Posted October 30, 2024 9:36 am.
Last Updated October 30, 2024 8:16 pm.
Winnipeg police say a man was seriously injured after he was attacked with a machete and bear spray at a North End park on Tuesday morning.
The Winnipeg Police Service says the 44-year-old victim was taken to hospital in unstable condition and later upgraded to stable.
Investigators believe the man was alone in St. Jonh’s Park – on St. Johns Avenue and Main Street – around 3:30 a.m. when he was assaulted.
“Despite his injuries, the victim managed to walk to Main Street, where he collapsed, and emergency services were called,” police said in a news release.
The victim was not able to provide a description of the suspect. Winnipeg police believe the attack was unprovoked, with no known connection between those involved. It is also believed the attack is unrelated to other recent machete attacks around the city.
“I think in the last four to five days, there have been three of four. From what we know they are not related, so they are isolated events,” explained Constable Steve Spencer, Winnipeg Police Service.
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Earlier this week, Premier Wab Kinew reaffirmed his party’s desire to tighten the rules around the sale of machetes and other long-blade weapons, with the goal of having the Bill receive royal assent by Remembrance Day.
“We see what’s happening on the streets, we got to take action, to give law enforcement more tools and also to keep you safe,” said Kinew.
READ MORE: Manitoba bill eyes new rules for sale of machetes, swords and other items
This new legislation would restrict the sale of such weapons to people over 18 years of age with photo identification, and has been a top priority for local North End advocate Sel Burrows for many years. While relieved the province is taking steps, Burrows says the City needs to address the growing violence in the downtown core.
“When we look at machetes, let’s ban them. The legislature is dealing with that, I’ll be speaking with them tonight but let’s get some recreation for the kids, let’s get positive things for people to do in the inner city,” explained Burrows.
“People need to identify the fact that this mayor has stripped the inter city there is no recreation for these kids, he’s building a $150 million rec centre in the suburbs, and kids in the inner-city are juggling machetes.”
The major crimes unit is investigating and attempting to identify a suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
