An armed man wanted for 15 charges, fled arrest, then attacked the officers in a lengthy on foot pursuit.

On October 19, 2019, at 9:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Portage Avenue, a Central District Foot Patrol unit approached a man who at the time was wanted for aggravated sexual assault. The sexual assault occurred October 5, 2019 to a female he knew. Once spotted, the male fled on foot. Throughout the long pursuit, he sprayed several officers with a can of bear spray while officers attempted to use a taser.

They were unsuccessful at sedating him at that time. 

The 23-year-old male was tracked into the Spence neighbourhood where he finally stopped around Ellice Avenue and McMicken Street. He refused to release the bear spray and continued to escalate the situation with aggression. 

There was a struggle, two officers sustained injuries and several officers were splattered with blood from the suspect. Those officers will be required to take strong antibiotics and medication to prevent any possible health risks.

The unit discovered a small amount of what is reported as methamphetamine during a search of the suspect.

He has been charged with:

  • Assault with a Weapon (x3)
  • Assault Peace Officer (x3)
  • Resist Peace Officer
  • Possession of Scheduled Substance – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Weapon
  • Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  • Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Fail to Comply Condition Recognizance by Judge/Justice (x2)

The suspect also has outstanding warrants for aggravated assault and for failing to comply with his probabtion. 

During the pursuit, an officer's duty belt was damaged and rounds of ammunition were lost around the 400 block of Sargent Avenue. Most of the ammunition has been recovered but some are still unaccounted for. If any outstanding ammunition is located contact the Winnipeg Police Service.