Suspect takes 3 teens hostage while police attempt arrest in Winnipeg’s St. James
Posted May 29, 2026 5:48 pm.
Last Updated June 1, 2026 9:28 am.
Winnipeg police (WPS) say what began as a call about a man wanted on an outstanding warrant quickly escalated into a hostage situation Friday morning.
Officers responded to a home on King Edward Street exchanged gunfire with the suspect and later found three people inside the residence who are being treated as hostages in the investigation.
They say the suspect then broke into a home in the 400 block of King Edward Street. That’s when shots were exchanged. Officers say they then found three teenagers inside the home who are believed to be hostages.
At a press conference Friday, police said once officers arrived at the King Edward neighbourhood, they noticed the man on the street, attempted to arrest him and while trying to arrest him there was a short pursuit by foot.
“Members of the tactical support team arrived and two of the hostages were successfully rescued. in the process of rescuing the third hostage, it was noticed that the house was on fire. the third hostage was then successfully rescued by tack,” WPS spokesperson Pat Saydak said.
Police say the suspect then left the resident using the back door and confronted police, where there was another exchange of gun fire. He was later taken into custody and given first aid before being taken to hospital.
“The independence investigation unit was notified as per protocol with any serious incident in Winnipeg, and they have assumed the investigation,” Saydak said.
As of now, police say there were no injuries to the hostages or police and say the fire was successfully extinguished.
The condition of the suspect is currently unknown.
In a social media post, police said those in the area can expect delays, as traffic on King Edward will be closed between St. Matthews and Silver Avenues for several hours.
