Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating after Winnipeg police exchanged gunfire with a man who allegedly took three people hostage inside a home Friday afternoon.
Winnipeg police said a man with an outstanding warrant was observed in the King Edward neighbourhood at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday. When officers arrived at the scene and tried to arrest the suspect, police said, he ran away and broke into a home in the 400 block of King Edward Street. Police said shots were exchanged at this moment.
Three other people were inside the home at the time and were allegedly taken hostage by the suspect, who they did not know, Const. Pat Saydak with the Winnipeg Police Service told reporters during a news conference.
Officers responded to the scene and were able to rescue two of the three hostages from the home.
While rescuing the third hostage, police noticed the house was on fire. The third hostage was rescued by the Winnipeg Police Service’s tactical team.
“They were dealing with a highly volatile and fluid situation,” Saydak said. “These brave officers were able to deal with a very volatile and dangerous situation, de-escalate it, and they ultimately saved the lives of three hostages.”
Saydak said the suspect tried to escape out the back door of the home and confronted police, where an exchange of gunfire took place between officers and the suspect.
Several people at the scene described hearing gunshots during the situation.
“I heard two bursts of gunfire, probably about a dozen shots altogether,” said Elisha Dacey, who lives nearby. “I didn’t see it. I don’t know if there was an exchange, but there were lots of shots.”
Witness Sherry Lukianchuk said, “The officers yelled at us to get inside, and we ran inside a building and we heard several shots. We could see police officers carrying large guns and stuff, walking down the street.”
Police would not confirm if the suspect was hit by gunfire.
The suspect was taken into custody, provided emergency medical treatment and taken to hospital. Police said the injuries and health status of the suspect are not known.
No injuries were reported among police or the hostages, police said.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU), who is called in to investigate serious incidents involving police officers, has been notified and is now investigating.
King Edward Street between St. Matthews and Silver avenues remains closed due to the investigation.
