News briefs for Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Two homes damaged after fire on Erin Woods Road

3:20 PM

There were no injuries in a house fire on Erin Woods Road Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters were on scene at 12:25 p.m., using aerial ladders to spray water from above the home. The fire was declared under control by 1:54 p.m.

The Bridgwater Forest home sustained “significant” damage from the fire and a neighbouring home was also damaged, according to the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service. The cause is under investigation.

Man arrested after series of violent robberies

2:53 PM

A man faces multiple robbery and weapons possession charges after a series of robberies June 22.

A man entered a grocery store in the 200 block of Salter Street at around 12:30 p.m. that day and hit one employee with a baton and attempted to attack another with an edged weapon. The suspect announced his intention to rob the store and barricaded the front door while employees and security guards hid in a room. Police were called and the suspect escaped. No one was seriously injured.

Shortly after, the man approached two men working in the area of Magnus Avenue and Salter Street and attempted to rob them. They escaped and called police. The suspect then approached a 19-year-old man near the same intersection, attacked him and tried to rob him. The victim was not injured and also called police.

Officers arrested him shortly after and seized two weapons.

Julius Joseph McKay, 29, faces six charges of robbery, two charges of possession of a weapon, three charges of forcible confinement and two charges of carrying a concealed weapon, prohibited device or ammunition. He remains in custody.