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A 23-year-old security guard has been charged following a violent confrontation at a downtown convenience store that was widely shared on social media and led to a protest outside the business.
Winnipeg Police Service says investigators with its Major Crimes Unit arrested the security guard on the evening of March 2 in connection with the Feb. 28 incident at a store on Portage Avenue. He faces charges of assault with a weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
Police say the confrontation began when a 46-year-old man allegedly attempted to leave the store with stolen merchandise on Feb. 28 at about 12:41 p.m. A security guard intervened, and a physical altercation followed. Police were called and officers placed the 46-year-old under arrest.
After the incident, video of the altercation circulated widely online. The video showed the security guard using brass knuckles and tackling the man to the ground. Police learned of the video on March 1 and immediately tasked the Major Crimes Unit with a secondary investigation.
Police say the security guard was arrested without incident and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
The man who was detained by the security guard was also charged with robbery and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court.
Protest calls for safety and accountability
Since the video spread on social media, community members have spoken out. On the afternoon of March 2, dozens of protesters gathered outside the convenience store, waving flags and holding signs.
In a Facebook post about the protest, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization said that speakers shared that some community members have experienced what they believe was unfair, aggressive or disrespectful treatment. The organization said people should not feel unsafe in public spaces.
Southern Chiefs’ Organization response
In a press release issued March 1, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization expressed “urgent” concern over the incident, saying footage appears to show “brutal force” used against an Indigenous man.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said First Nations people in Manitoba have reported patterns of being profiled and subject to discriminatory treatment in retail spaces and other public places.
The organization, which represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in southern Manitoba, called for the employer of the security guard to be held responsible and urged the provincial program that licenses security guards to launch a comprehensive review of training, use-of-force policies and oversight.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization also said retailers and security firms must publicly disclose their policies on security and loss prevention and commit to independent review of such incidents.
Police seek information from the public
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.
