Two youths charged after four downtown Winnipeg shootings
Posted May 15, 2026 5:45 pm.
Last Updated May 16, 2026 10:47 am.
Winnipeg police have arrested two 17-year-old boys following a series of four firearm discharge incidents in the city’s downtown over a two-day period.
Police said shots were fired at four separate locations between May 12 and May 13, including a home in the 200 block of Beverly Street where a bullet became lodged in a kitchen wall while residents were asleep inside.
The occupants discovered the bullet the next morning. No injuries were reported.
Const. Stephen Spencer of the Winnipeg Police Service said investigators do not believe the shootings were targeted, but acknowledged the incidents are deeply unsettling for residents.
“It is very concerning to the community. And we understand how community members, families would respond to this if you wake in the morning and find a round in your wall. That would be very concerning,” Spencer said.
Police said several more 9-mm rounds were later fired into the air in a back lane near the 500 block of Agnes Street.
Additional gunfire was reported around 8:45 a.m. and again at approximately 1:30 a.m. the following day in the back lane of Toronto Street.
Patrolling officers later located two masked youths nearby and arrested them.
The pair now face multiple charges, including firearms offences, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and wearing disguises with intent. Police said one of the boys was already known to investigators and is also charged with several breaches of court orders.
Authorities have not released details about how the teens allegedly obtained the firearm.
“During the arrest officers seized the Taurus G3 9mm 15 round magazine, crack cocaine and approximately $3,800 in Canadian currency,” Spencer said.
While searching for the suspects, officers also encountered another teenage boy carrying a water gun as part of a social media “Assassin” game, where participants attempt to eliminate each other using water pistols.
Const. Claude Chancy said the trend has created additional challenges for police responding to calls involving potential weapons.
“Unfortunately, the social media trend can add unnecessary strain on police service as units are dispatched from community members with legitimate calls for service,” Chancy said.
Both accused youths remain in custody as the investigation continues.
