Suspect in King Edward hostage situation dies of injuries

A 34-year-old man has died after being shot by Winnipeg police during a hostage situation Friday.

Winnipeg police say members of the violent offender apprehension unit attempted to stop a vehicle around 10:27 a.m. as the driver had outstanding warrants and was reported to have a gun.

Officers say the man rammed into the police vehicle before driving off. He was later seen in the King Edward neighbourhood and after a foot pursuit, police say he broke into a residence on the 400 block of King Edward Street.

At 11:09 a.m., police say a man exited the home and told first responders two teenage girls were being held hostage by the suspect. One girl was rescued through a window.

A fire was set inside the residence prompting the second teen’s rescue, a Saturday news release states. Police say the suspect then exited the home brandishing a firearm and officers shot him.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is investigating the incident.