Winnipeg, MB – A fast-food restaurant robbery on Portage Avenue Tuesday afternoon ended with a suspect’s arrest after a brief police response involving a Winnipeg Transit bus, according to the Winnipeg Police Service.
According to police, officers from the West District, assisted by the Tactical Support Team, responded around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday after reports of a commercial robbery in the 1500 block of Portage Avenue, a busy corridor in west Winnipeg near the city’s downtown core.
Investigators say a man allegedly entered the fast-food restaurant, demanded money from employees at the front counter, and threatened to shoot staff. The three employees fled to safety as the suspect reportedly jumped over the counter and attempted to open cash registers without success.
Police said the suspect then went into the kitchen area, where he allegedly took hamburgers and fries that were still cooking. He exited the restaurant and boarded a nearby Winnipeg Transit bus.
According to authorities, the bus had not travelled far when officers stopped it. Police reported the suspect attempted to fight people on board the bus, but no assaults were reported, and no injuries occurred.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Police say he was found in possession of a stolen wallet at the time of his arrest.
The Winnipeg Police Service identified the suspect as Jonathan Fontaine, 29, who was charged with robbery and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He remains detained in custody.
The incident caused a brief police presence in the area but no long-term transit disruptions were reported.
Residents and workers along Portage Avenue are encouraged to report suspicious activity to police as investigations into commercial robberies across Winnipeg continue.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
