Four people were stabbed in two separate incidents during Canada Day celebrations in Winnipeg.
The first occurred at The Forks’ skatepark at around 8:30 p.m. when two males — not known to each other — became involved in an argument. A 17-year-old boy was soon slashed in the upper body with a knife.
Police were able to arrest 20-year-old Tyler Roussin of Winnipeg a short time later for his alleged involvement. He has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon and two counts of failing to comply with conditions of an undertaking.
Roussin remains in custody.
In another incident, three men were stabbed and another was physically assaulted on the patio of Earls on Main Street. All four victims are in stable condition.
Police say it happened at around 12:40 a.m. Thursday and is likely gang-related. No arrests have been made.
Earls released the following statement to ChrisD.ca:
The situation outside the Main Street Earls Kitchen + Bar is most unfortunate; however it is not associated in anyway with Earls. The comfort, safety and well-being of our guests and staff are of the utmost important to us; we are asking that this incident is not associated with Earls any further than proximity to the incident.
The event, organized by an outside entertainment company, was in a fenced in area of the parking lot adjacent to Earls. Earls owns that property. The incident did not occur in the restaurant, nor on our patio or in the fenced off community beer gardens “block party”, rather outside the area on the street. It occurred as both the “block party” event and the Canada Day activities at the Forks were closing and we do not know if the people involved in the incident had attended either of the events.
The incident did not involve any of our guests or staff and our staff were unaware of the incident until emergency personnel were on the scene.
Security personnel on site were hired by the organizing entertainment company.
“This incident is unfortunate for all those involved; the victims, our staff, the friends and families enjoying their Canada Day festivities,” said Cate Simpson, spokesperson for Earls. “We are seriously reconsidering our involvement in any future events of this kind.”
— Staff
