Winnipeg police say two boys, ages 12 and 14, have been arrested following Friday’s shoplifting incident.
Officers went to a retail business in the 900 block of Milt Stegall Drive, armed with a bear spray, responding to a report of young boys shoplifting off the premises.
Upon arrival, officers observed two suspects at Empress Street and Ellis Avenue and police say they ran in different directions.
However, officers quickly caught up with them after a brief chase but police say it was not without incident.
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During the arrest, one suspect resisted while the other produced bear spray and sprayed it towards the officers before being released. Both suspects were then taken into custody without incident.
Police say a canister of beer spray has been recovered as evidence.
Through their investigation, officers learned that the suspects stole three boxes of “confetti poppers” from a retail business, which police say is valued at $150, before fleeing.
Police say one of the suspects brandished a can of beer spray and attacked the 61-year-old man who intervened. The victim was unaffected by the spray and the stolen property was recovered.
As a result, a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old boy face multiple charges and have been released on undertakings.
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