Winnipeg, Canada – A 12-year-old girl is among three youths facing charges after a violent robbery early Saturday that left a 23-year-old woman injured. The incident, which was captured by surveillance cameras, happened just after midnight in the 500 block of Portage Avenue as the woman was heading to work.
According to Winnipeg Police Service, a group of teenagers pursued the woman, ultimately knocking her to the ground and assaulting her with punches and kicks to her head and upper body. During the attack, the assailants demanded the victim’s belongings.
A bystander intervened, shouting at the attackers, which caused them to flee the scene. Responding officers from the General Patrol unit were able to locate and apprehend three suspects shortly thereafter. The trio was transported to the Major Crimes Unit for processing.
The victim was subsequently hospitalized in stable condition, receiving treatment for multiple injuries sustained during the ordeal.
Charges of robbery have been levied against a 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl, and a 12-year-old girl. While the latter has been released under an Undertaking, the other two remain in custody. Names of the accused have not been disclosed due to restrictions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
This troubling event underscores a disturbing rise in youth-related violent crimes in the area. Winnipeg police data indicates a sharp increase in such incidents, with violent crimes involving offenders under 18 years old rising by 25% in 2023 compared to the year before. Authorities note a particular surge in robbery cases involving groups of young people.
Experts suggest that youth involvement in such violent group crimes is typically opportunistic, occurring predominantly in public areas close to transit routes and commercial centers. This pattern suggests a brazenness in young offenders, potentially emboldened by group dynamics and the anonymity of crowded public spaces.
The Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent attack. Concerns over the prevalence of youth gangs and the escalation of group assaults have prompted calls for enhanced measures to curb such activities.
Members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219, or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
As the community grapples with the increasing visibility of youth violence, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement and society in addressing the complex factors contributing to juvenile delinquency. The ongoing investigation aims not only to bring the perpetrators to justice but also to understand the deeper societal issues that foster such behaviors in young individuals.