2 teens charged after confrontation with machete, air pistol snuck into Red River Ex: Winnipeg police

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Peggy

Two teenage boys have been charged after they allegedly confronted a group of people with an air pistol and a machete at one of Winnipeg’s biggest summer fairs on Sunday, police say.

Winnipeg police were called about weapons at the Red River Exhibition at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a Monday news release.

A group of teens, between ages 15 to 18, were standing in line and waiting to get on a ride at the event when they were confronted by two people they didn’t know, Winnipeg police Const. Dani McKinnon said at a Monday news conference.

The two argued with the group before they brandished a machete and a pistol.

‘Unfortunate scenario’

The group reported the incident to security at the event, before the two were apprehended and police were called. No one was injured, and the gun was later found to be an air pistol.

“It’s an unfortunate scenario,” McKinnon said. “It happens from time to time.”

A 17-year-old boy was charged with possessing a weapon and four counts of failing to comply with a release order. A 15-year-old boy was also charged with possessing a weapon, as well as two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

Both were detained in custody. McKinnon said they are known to police.

Although security has been beefed up at the Red River Exhibition in recent years, police say they spoke with staff at the Red River Ex, and believe the weapons could have been tossed over the outer fencing at the event, before they were retrieved inside the park.

Perimeter security has been boosted in response to the incident.

“This is a big gathering place,” McKinnon said. “You just have to be aware.”