WPS says robbery suspect's bullet narrowly misses child

Authorities believe meth was involved in a series of four break-in attempts at West End homes.

The Winnipeg Police Service says they were called about an unknown intruder kicking in the front door of a home in the 700 block of Home Street and shooting a gun at the home while inside the front porch.

They say the shot narrowly missed a child who was inside the home.

Officers responded after 9 p.m.

Shortly afterwards, General Patrol Officers were called to the 600 block of Arlington Street for a disturbance. On the call, they told police the man, unknown to them, was kicking in the house's front and back doors. Officers were told the same suspect has visited the home for the past two nights attempting to break in.

As the man was breaking in and police on their way, the residents stopped the man from getting inside the home by using a 2x4 on the back door.

Officers arrived, finding the suspect on Arlington Street near the rear lane of Sargent Avenue. In the suspect's hands was a sawed-off shotgun, but when they saw the officers, the gun was dropped and the man fled.

Now in a foot chase, officers used a conducted energy weapon (Taser) to end the short chase.

A 31-year-old man is being charged with:

- Discharge Restricted/Prohibited Firearm with Intent
- Possess Restricted/Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition
- Possess Firearm Knowing Unauthorized
- Possess Firearm Obtained by Crime
- Possess Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order x 3
- Break & Enter (Dwelling House)

Police believe methamphetamine use was an underlying factor in the break-ins.