A robbery at a convenience store in Winnipeg was thwarted by brave patrons

On the morning of Friday, May 17, 2024, two brave patrons foiled an attempted robbery at a store on St. Mary's Avenue. The Winnipeg Police Service responded to the incident at approximately 2:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, Eastern District Chief Patrol Officers located two patrons outside the store holding a suspect involved in the robbery. During the robbery, the suspect dumped a canister of bear spray inside the store. A 22-year-old male employee and two patrons, aged 29 and 38, were injured by the spray.

The Major Crimes Unit investigated and determined that the suspect entered the store with a mask on, brandishing a canister of bear spray and demanding money from the cashier. A physical struggle ensued when a 38-year-old patron intervened, causing the suspect to pour bear spray directly on him. The suspect continued to release the bear spray when a second patron intervened. Two patrons managed to restrain the suspect before the police arrived. No additional injuries were reported other than exposure to bear spray.

The suspect, a 17-year-old man from Winnipeg, has been charged with multiple offences, including robbery, willful concealment, possession of a weapon, assault with a weapon (two counts) and failure to comply with a sentence (four counts). ). He was imprisoned in a temporary detention facility. Patrons' bravery and quick thinking were appreciated by the local public and the police.

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