Winnipeg: Police have arrested a 17-year-old suspect in a commercial robbery

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Event details

Winnipeg – UPDATE – On May 17, 2024 at approximately 2:30 a.m., Winnipeg Police responded to a robbery at a convenience store located in the 200 block of St. Mary's Avenue.

What happened

Police found two men holding the suspect outside the store. The suspect used bear spray inside the store during the robbery. A 22-year-old male employee and two customers aged 29 and 38 were injured by the bear spray.

Investigation

The investigation was initiated by the Department of Combating Major Crimes. They determined the suspect covered his face, threatened the employee with bear spray and demanded money. The suspect sprayed bear spray at a 38-year-old customer who tried to stop him, causing an altercation. The suspect continued to use bear spray when a second customer intervened. Both customers were able to apprehend the suspect before police arrived. The victims were only affected by bear spray.

Arrest

A 17-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with:

• Robbery
• Disguise with intent
• Possession of weapons
• Assault with a weapon (2 counts)
• Failure to comply with a sentence (4 counts)

He is currently in custody.