Winnipeg Officer Injured During Shoplifting Arrest: Suspect in Custody, Second Still Sought

A routine response to a shoplifting call in Winnipeg took an unexpected and violent turn this past Sunday evening, resulting in a police officer sustaining minor injuries. The incident, which unfolded around 7:30 p.m. on May 12 in the 1400 block of Henderson Highway, underscored the growing risks faced by law enforcement in tackling retail crime.

Winnipeg Police Service officers were dispatched to a local business following reports of two individuals engaged in shoplifting.

Upon arrival, the situation quickly escalated. While one suspect managed to flee the scene, the second individual aggressively resisted arrest, leading to a physical altercation with an officer.

During the struggle to apprehend the suspect, the brave officer sustained minor injuries. Despite the unexpected resistance, police successfully took the individual into custody.

The arrested suspect, identified as a 31-year-old female, now faces a serious roster of charges reflecting the gravity of her actions.

The charges laid against her include assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, theft under $5,000, and possessing property obtained by crime. Following her arrest, she was remanded into custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the search continues for the second suspect who absconded from the scene, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

This incident is unfortunately not an isolated occurrence in Winnipeg. Police have highlighted an unsettling trend of increased violence associated with retail theft across the city.

Just weeks prior, similar violent shoplifting incidents garnered headlines, including a particularly brazen theft at Portage Place where suspects threatened staff with a weapon, and another violent encounter at a North Kildonan business. These events paint a concerning picture of the evolving landscape of retail crime, where what might seem like minor infractions can quickly escalate into dangerous confrontations for both store employees and responding officers.

The Winnipeg Police Service continues its efforts to combat this surge in retail crime, emphasizing that such acts not only impact businesses and consumers but also place their dedicated officers at heightened risk.

The community's vigilance and cooperation remain crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring public safety.