Winnipeg, Manitoba – A 48-year-old man is in custody after police say he allegedly attempted to assault a taxi driver early Saturday morning in Winnipeg’s William Whyte neighborhood, prompting a rapid police response and the seizure of a loaded handgun.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the incident unfolded around 1:40 a.m. Saturday, January 4, when a taxi driver reported a man walking away after an attempted assault near Burrows Avenue and Powers Street. The driver flagged down a marked police cruiser and activated emergency lights to alert officers in the North District.
Police say officers made a U-turn to investigate and observed the taxi pulled over in the 200 block of Powers Street, while the suspect was seen walking away from the area. Officers spoke with the driver, who reported the attempted assault but confirmed he was not injured.
The suspect was detained a short distance away in the same block. During the arrest, officers allegedly located a loaded Springfield Hellcat 9×19 handgun and a prohibited 13-round magazine on the man.
Police identified the suspect as Robert Louis Parisian, 48, who has been charged with multiple firearms-related offenses, including:
- Possession of a firearm or prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon knowing possession was unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Carrying a concealed weapon or prohibited device
Parisian remains in custody as the investigation continues. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the alleged assault.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Winnipeg Police Service.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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