Recent stabbing by youth in Winnipeg leaves community uneasy

A recent incident where a woman in her 60s was allegedly stabbed and sent to hospital by two youths in Winnipeg has some in the community shaken up and shaking their head.  

On Monday, Winnipeg police announced they arrested two girls, a 12 and 14-year-old, after they allegedly stabbed a woman after she refused to hand over her purse.

Police say people rushed to help the woman, who was taken to hospital. She has since been upgraded to stable condition.

“I think it’s so surprising and outrageous that could actually happen,” said John Hodge, a Winnipeg shopper. “It’d be one of the last things you’d expect to experience.”

Hodge caught a glimpse of emergency crews on scene when the stabbing happened. He said he was shocked.

“Unfortunately, our society tends to be trending in this direction. It’s so sad. It’s so sad that this is happening,” said Hodge. 

RCMP arrested the two youth in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation on Dec. 5. A Winnipeg Police spokesperson says youth violent crime in the city is down 22 per cent and the two youth involved in this instance were known to police.

The service is giving citizens holiday safety tips, like being aware of your surroundings, locking and not leaving valuables in your vehicle, and staying in well-lit areas if shopping at night. 

Laurie Lazer-McMorrie was shopping on Tuesday in the area and said the situation has made her uneasy.

“As a resident and a senior citizen it doesn’t make me feel safe. I don’t feel safe a lot of the time to begin with. I’m very careful,” said McCorrie.

“It’s such a shame to see young people at that age feeling like they need to accost anybody really, but particularly someone who is vulnerable to begin with.”