An early-morning assault in Winkler resulted in charges against three male suspects.
At approximately 1:26 am on June 15th, Winkler police responded to a 911 call from the area of Harmony Lane. “They were reporting that a male was being assaulted and a female could be heard screaming in the background,” said Police Chief Ryan Hunt.
Upon arrival, officers were flagged down by the victim. “He and a female friend were walking home from work, and they were approached by three males who had started assaulting him,” Hunt explained. “They assaulted him, punched him... kicked him as well, and took the turban off of his head.”
With assistance from the Morden Police Service’s K9 unit, the three suspects, who are known to police, were arrested nearby.
The first male faces multiple charges, Hunt explained, “Failing to comply with an undertaking, assault, obstruction, resisting arrest and failing to comply with the probation,” Hunt said. “He was remanded to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court.”
“The second male was also charged with assault, resisting arrest and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He was released on an undertaking with a court date at Morden Provincial Court,” Hunt added. “The third male was arrested for assault and released on an undertaking.”
Chief Hunt condemned the incident, calling it “Despicable. We live in Canada, in Winkler. You should be able to walk around safely and not fear that you're going to be assaulted for your religion or for your beliefs.”
Police believe the attack to be racially motivated as the assailants had been reported to be yelling racial slurs at the victim during the assault.