Winnipeg, MB – A 26-year-old man was hospitalized this week after being struck in the head with a hatchet during a violent, unprovoked assault in downtown Winnipeg.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. on November 17, 2025, as the victim was walking east along Ellice Avenue. Investigators say he passed a suspect walking in the opposite direction and later heard footsteps behind him. When he turned, he saw the same man holding a hatchet — and was struck moments later.
The victim managed to flee to a nearby business for help and was taken to a local hospital, where police say he remains in stable condition with serious upper body injuries.
The Major Crimes Unit took over the case and identified a suspect. On November 18, around 2 p.m., officers arrested the accused outside an apartment complex on the 400 block of Beverley Street.
Police identified the suspect as Joshua Clifford Walter Bear, 20, who has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon, and Failing to Comply with a Probation Order. He remains in custody.
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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