Man involved in Winnipeg Dollarama security guard incident facing new charges: source

The man accused of shoplifting and threatening to kill a security guard at a Winnipeg Dollarama – the same man seen in a viral video being punched by the guard – is also being accused of pulling a knife on a different security guard the following week.

That’s according to a confidential source who told CityNews the accused in both incidents is the same 46-year-old man.

CityNews obtained his name from a source with close knowledge of the situation. Court records show he has 45 prior charges, including theft, uttering threats and break and enter, among many others.

In the incident from Feb. 28, the man is alleged to have concealed $95 worth of items from the Portage Avenue Dollarama and was attempting to leave without paying. Winnipeg police also allege the man threatened to kill and assaulted the security guard.

The viral video shows a different moment in their altercation. It appears to show the 23-year-old security guard straddling the man, who’s lying on the floor. The guard punches him with what police have said were brass knuckles; repeatedly bangs his head on the ground; and stomps on him.

The 46-year-old man was initially the only one charged. The security guard faced his own charges days later: assault with a weapon; unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon; and uttering death threats.

Just over a week after the Dollarama altercation, on March 9, the same man was accused of threatening to kill a different security guard at the Radisson Hotel on Portage Avenue in downtown Winnipeg. Police allege he pulled out a knife and threatened the guard after being asked to leave.

Winnipeg police confirm a 46-year-old suspect was arrested just before 12:30 a.m. that morning. He is facing charges of possession of a weapon and failing to comply with a probation order.

Outrage from Indigenous groups

The Dollarama video sparked outrage and protests.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs condemned the actions of the security guard. Impact Security, the company that works at the Dollarama, confirmed to CityNews the guard in the video was terminated.

CityNews reached out to the AMC on the updated charges but did not immediately hear back. None of the allegations have been tested in court.

“As that matter is currently before the courts, I’m unable to comment on this specific case,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said in a statement.

“Our top priority since forming government has been restoring the safety of our communities that were abandoned by the PCs. That’s why I advocated to the federal government for stricter bail legislation, and we saw the federal government listen by including our suggestions into their legislation.”

According to the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of Manitoba, a public forum will be held on Saturday to discuss concerns about security guard practices and their relationship with Indigenous people in public and private facilities.