A Winnipeg man remains in custody after an early morning assault on a transit supervisor at Fort and Graham on Friday.
Police say the incident unfolded when the supervisor intervened with a passenger who had been sleeping on a bus for hours.
The man exited the bus but then fashioned a makeshift torch using hairspray and a lighter, aiming it at the supervisor.
The transit worker acted quickly, disarming the man and holding him until officers from the Downtown Foot Patrol Unit, who were nearby, arrived on scene.
The suspect, a 23-year-old Winnipeg man, has been charged with assault with a weapon.
Police say that the supervisor was not injured in the confrontation.
Ongoing safety concerns for transit staff
The incident highlights the ongoing safety challenges faced by Winnipeg Transit employees. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of assaults on transit staff, leading to increased concerns about their safety.
One incident in November 2022 saw two drivers and a supervisor assaulted in separate incidents, prompting calls for improved safety measures.
In response to such incidents, Winnipeg Transit has implemented several safety initiatives, including the introduction of a transit safety team and the installation of safety shields for bus operators.
The measures aim to enhance the security of both transit employees and passengers.
The Winnipeg Police Service says it continues to work closely with Winnipeg Transit to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of all transit users.