Two Youths Charged After String of Violent Robberies

Manitoba Post StaffNews

WINNIPEG – Two Winnipeg youths were arrested following a string of violent robberies that occurred against people selling goods online.

An 18 year-old man agreed to meet at an arena in Valley Gardens to sell clothing that he had advertised online. When he arrived two suspects produced a firearm and robbed him.

Another 18 year-old victim who was selling a pair of shoes online agreed to meet the two suspects at a mall in St. Vital. He was subsequently physically assaulted and robbed.

Next, the two suspects met in the exchange district with a 25 year-old man who was selling a watch online. One of the suspects put a gun to the victim’s head and fired several shots. They then physically assaulted him before he was able to get away and was taken to hospital.

Later that evening they went to a 27 year-old man’s apartment who was trading shoes online. One of the suspects struck the victim several times in the head with a firearm and robbed him.

Police located the suspects a short time later and took them into custody. A .177 calibre BB air pistol was seized from their vehicle.

A 17-year-old male of Winnipeg has been arrested for:

– Armed Robbery using a Firearm (x3)

– Robbery

– Aggravated Assault

– Discharge a Firearm with Intent

– Pointing a Firearm (x2)

– Possession of a Weapon (x3)

– Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition (x3)

A second 17-year-old male of Winnipeg has been arrested for:

– Armed Robbery using a Firearm (x3)

– Robbery

– Pointing a Firearm

– Possession of a Weapon

– Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition

While the vast majority of transactions from online classified sites are conducted safely; there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

– Never meet someone alone.

– Meet in a public place with many people around. Avoid meeting in areas that you are unfamiliar with.

– If possible, meet during daylight hours.

– Survey the area. If things don’t look or feel right, make alternative arrangements.

– Keep a mobile phone nearby.

– Exchange phone numbers beforehand, but do not provide your personal information beyond your name.

– Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.