19 hours ago
Area near Disraeli Bridge closed off amid negotiations with armed man: police
The Winnipeg Police Service has closed off an area near the Disraeli Bridge amid an armed and barricaded scenario. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg)
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has closed off an area near the Disraeli Bridge and Sutherland Avenue Saturday amid negotiations with a man believed to be armed.
According to WPS Const. Dani McKinnon, police were called at about 5:30 a.m. to an incident where sounds of shots were heard in the 100 block of Grove Street.
Upon officers arriving at the scene, it was learned that no one was injured and that an adult male, armed with a firearm, had transitioned to the Sutherland Avenue and Disraeli Bridge area.
'Police immediately cordoned off that area and immediately made sure that the community knew that this was an area that should be avoided for public safety,' said McKinnon during a media briefing Saturday afternoon.
As of 1:30 p.m., the man is still believed to be in the area according to police.
Crisis negotiators and the tactical support team are assisting the situation.
'(We're) looking for a very safe resolution for everybody,' said McKinnon. 'This is considered an armed and barricaded scenario.'
'They've spent a number of hours with him, now, communicating, building (a) relationship, as we do with crisis negotiation,' she said. 'Part of it is getting to know that person, how we can help them.'
McKinnon said the armed man is known to police and is asking people to stay away from the area.
As of 2 p.m., the Disraeli Bridge is open to vehicles but access through the east and west ramps remain closed. Pedestrian and water traffic in the area is not allowed.
Water traffic is also prohibited 1.6 kilometres east and west from the bridge on the Red River.
-With files from CTV's Daniel Timmerman
