Teen charged with assault after jogger stabbed in St. Vital

A man in his 40s was stabbed while jogging and a St. Vital street was host to what residents said was a quiet and coordinated police response that resulted in a 15-year-old girl being charged with numerous offences Saturday night.

Winnipeg police were called to Abbotsford Crescent at about 11 p.m and learned two youth approached the victim to ask for the time before he was threatened and stabbed in the upper body, a Winnipeg Police Service news release said Monday.

The man was taken to hospital for observation and police quickly located two suspects. One was found in Jason Richer’s backyard.

“The dogs didn’t even hear it,” he said, gesturing to a structure near the back of the yard. “And she was behind that shed right there.”

Richer said the girl was hiding between the shed and the fence when police found her, taking her into custody.

The Winnipeg Police Service’s helicopter, tactical support team and a canine unit were involved in the response, police said.

Richer said he realized something was afoot when he spotted a person running shirtless toward a police cruiser.

A resident of Abbotsford for more than 50 years, Denise Elias was left feeling uneasy after the incident.

“I am shocked,” she said. “But I guess maybe I shouldn’t be with the way things are going, but I am shocked for this neighbourhood, it’s always been quiet.”

Sending her support to the jogger who was injured, Caroline Fisher, owner of Big Sky Run Co. on Tache Avenue, said she hopes the attack doesn’t dissuade people taking to the streets.

“Whenever something like this happens — whether it’s in Winnipeg or elsewhere — I don’t want it to be a commentary on running,” she said. “It’s more of a reflection of where things are at as a city.”

Fisher said while she understands it may take some time before the victim is ready to talk about the incident, or run again, she hopes they get in touch with the store so she can replace any gear that may have been affected.

“When they feel ready, I’d love to help them out with that,” she said, extending an invitation to join one of the shop’s running clubs.

The 15-year-old suspect was charged with assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats, possession of a weapon and failing to comply with an undertaking.

She was held in custody.

A 16-year-old boy was released without charges.

morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca