Overview of Rising Carjackings in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is grappling with a disturbing rise in carjackings, with another alarming incident reported on Monday afternoon. Authorities are investigating a case where a young man was attacked with bear spray during a robbery.

Details of the Latest Incident

The event unfolded around 1:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Watt Street. Police responded promptly to the scene and found a 22-year-old male victim suffering from severe irritation caused by the bear spray.

According to police reports, the victim was engaged in a parcel delivery at the 500 block of Harbison Avenue when he was assaulted. The masked assailant used bear spray before stealing the victim’s vehicle. Emergency paramedics treated the victim on-site, and fortunately, he was medically cleared afterward.

Suspect Apprehended

Not long after the attack, multiple witnesses reported a vehicle matching the description of the stolen car driving erratically in the vicinity. Officers quickly located the hijacked vehicle in a back alley near Bowman Avenue, east of Watt Street. After a brief pursuit, police apprehended a suspect without any further conflict.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with robbery and assault with a weapon in connection with this incident. He has been detained in custody pending trial, although it is important to note that these charges have yet to be proven in court.

Previous Incident

This carjacking incident follows closely on the heels of another bear spray attack just a day prior. In an alarming event on Sunday morning, a 39-year-old man was violently pulled from his vehicle at the intersection of Sherbrook Street and Ross Avenue, while his dog was abandoned inside. The suspect not only used bear spray but also ran over the victim as he sped away. Witnesses reported that the suspect was approximately five feet eight inches tall, yet the victim couldn't provide a comprehensive description due to the sudden nature of the attack.

Police Investigation and Community Response

In light of these incidents, the Winnipeg Police Service has stated there is currently no evidence linking each case. However, the major crimes unit continues their investigation and remains vigilant, as these distressing events have understandably raised concerns among residents.

As the city deals with this unsettling trend of carjackings, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds, and remember: safety should always come first!