Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Winnipeg police say officers fired shots when a man took three teens hostage inside a St. James home Friday as officials were trying to arrest him on a warrant.
The Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit learned a man wanted on an outstanding warrant was in the area and went there to arrest him, Cont. Pat Saydak said at a news conference.
Police chased the man, he said. Then, the man broke into a random home on King Edward Street, between St. Matthews and Silver avenues, and police fired shots, Saydak said.
Police said the man took three people hostage inside.
Police say they believe the hostages are teenagers, based on information they have at this point.
Const. Pat Saydak says Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating after an ‘exchange of gunfire’ during a hostage situation in Winnipeg’s St. James neighbourhood Friday. (Tyson Koschik/CBC)
Two of the hostages were rescued after members of the police service’s tactical team arrived, Saydak said. While the third hostage was being rescued, officials noticed the house was on fire.
There was an “exchange of gunfire” when the suspect went out the back door and “confronted police,” Saydak said.
The man was placed into custody and given emergency first aid before he was taken to the hospital.
“His injuries and his health status are currently unknown,” Saydak said.
None of the hostages or police officers were hurt, and the fire was extinguished, he said.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba — which examines all serious incidents involving police officers in the province — is investigating, Winnipeg police said.
Traffic on King Edward will be closed between St. Matthews and Silver avenues for several hours, police said in a social media post.
Sherry Lukianchuk said she saw police in tactical gear carrying guns on Silver near King Edward.
“We could see police officers carrying large guns and stuff, and walking up and down the street,” she said.
She also saw a “girl running from the home, with police officers and several gunshots afterwards.”
Lukianchuk said witnessing the scene had her on edge.
“I’m pretty scared and nervous because there’s a lot of things [that have] been going on in our neighbourhood,” she said.
“Normally, this is a pretty quiet neighbourhood.”
Elisha Dacey, who lives nearby, said St. James is “pretty safe” but “there are some problematic houses on Berry and on King Edward.”
She also said she heard gunshots around noon.
“I heard two bursts of gunfire — probably about a dozen shots all together. I didn’t see it. I don’t know if there was an exchange, but there was lots of shots,” Dacey said.
