Young suspects retrieved weapons inside Red River Ex: police

Two teenage boys have been charged after they allegedly brandished a machete and an air pistol at the Red River Exhibition.

Police were called at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday after the suspects became involved in a verbal dispute with some young males, about ages 15 to 18, who were waiting in line for a ride at the event.

The victims reported the incident to on-site security, who apprehended two suspects and contacted police.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES Security personnel search people as they enter the Red River Exhibition in June 2022.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

Security personnel search people as they enter the Red River Exhibition in June 2022.

The victims were not injured, the Winnipeg Police Service said at a news conference Monday.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with possession of a weapon and four counts of failing to comply with a release order. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with possession of a weapon and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

Both were detained in custody.

The WPS said it is believed the weapons were tossed over the outer fencing for later retrieval and that the Red River Ex has since bolstered its perimeter security.

A man recently filed a lawsuit against the Red River Exhibition Association, North American Midway-Canada Co. and two employers after he was shot at the annual event in 2022. More security was added in the wake of the shooting.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca

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