3 teens charged after boy attacked, robbed, cut by machete inside Winnipeg mall
Attack at Polo Park mall sent teen victim to hospital in stable condition
A 14-year-old boy suffered a "significant injury" to his hand when he was attacked by three other teens, robbed and struck with a machete inside Winnipeg's Polo Park shopping mall, police say.
"This was an unprovoked attack and neither the victim nor the suspects knew each other," said Winnipeg Police Service public information officer Const. Pat Saydak.
The victim was shopping around 8:30 p.m. on Friday when the three teens approached him.
He was hit multiple times by a machete, causing him to fall to the ground, police said in a news release on Monday.
As the assault continued, the victim was robbed of personal property. The attackers then ran off.
Police were called and the victim was given emergency care before being rushed to hospital in stable condition.
A short time later, officers found three suspects at a restaurant a couple of blocks away on St. Matthews Avenue.
A 13-year-old boy is charged with robbery and three warrants for failing to comply with a prior sentence, police said.
A 14-year-old boy is charged with robbery and a 15-year-old boy is facing a charge of robbery.
The 13- and 14-year-old were held in custody. The 15-year-old was released on an undertaking, Saydak said.
Police did not provide any additional information on the injuries suffered by the victim.
In an email to CBC, Polo Park general manager Peter Havens said he couldn't comment as the incident is under an active investigation.
However, he said Cadillac Fairview, which owns the mall, prioritizes the safety and security of its shoppers, employees and tenants, and is working closely with community emergency services partners and the Winnipeg Police Service.
New rules governing the sales of machetes and other long-blade weapons in Manitoba came into effect at the end of last year.
"This was an isolated event and people, while they should be cognizant and aware of their surroundings, they should not be afraid to go out and enjoy the summer, whether it's shopping, taking walks or going to the park," said Saydak.
"They should feel safe in Winnipeg."
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