Winnipeg youths robbed store, bear sprayed man: police
Posted January 7, 2023 1:56 pm.
Last Updated January 7, 2023 2:00 pm.
Two Winnipeg youths are facing various charges after an alleged robbery from a West End store and a bear spray attack Friday afternoon.
The Winnipeg Police Service says the alleged robbery took place at a store on Milt Stegall Drive near Ellice Avenue around 3:45 p.m.
Police say two boys – a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old – stole three boxes of “Confetti Poppers” from the business before fleeing on foot.
“One of the suspects produced a canister of bear spray and assaulted a 61-year-old male victim who had intervened,” WPS said in a release.
The victim was not injured.
Officers located the suspects at Empress Street and Ellice Avenue. Police say they fled in separate directions, but were caught after a short foot pursuit.
“During their arrest, one suspect offered some resistance while the other produced and brandished a canister of bear spray toward officers before discarding it.
“Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident. The canister of bear spray was recovered and seized as evidence.”
The stolen property was also recovered, police say.
The 14-year-old was charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, resisting a peace officer and more.
The 12-year-old is facing charges of robbery and resisting a peace officer.
Both were released on undertakings as mandated by the Criminal Code.
