Store employee attacks and seriously injures shoplifter: Winnipeg police

A 41-year-old man, who was trying to steal merchandise from a store, was attacked and injured by an employee, Winnipeg police say.

Officers were patrolling around8p.m. on Saturday when they came across two men fighting in front of the business in the 600 block of William Avenue. One of the men was holding what police described as "a largeedged weapon."

Officersimmediately arrested that man and tended to the 41-year-old man,who they say was suffering from serious bodily injuries.

He was sent to hospital in unstable condition and later upgraded to stable.

Police say the 41-year-oldhad stolen items from a store when anemployee armed himself with the weapon and confronted the man outside.

A police spokesperson refused to say if the weapon was a knife, repeating the vague description of an edged weapon.

The shoplifter was hit multiple times before officers were able to separate the two.

The employee, a28-year-old man,is facing charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon.

The major crimes unit is investigating and anyone with information is asked to call 204-986-6219.

Anonymous tips can be called in toCrime Stoppers at 204-786-8477or submitted online through the organization's website.