Winnipeg police searching for suspect in downtown assault

The suspect is seen in a supplied image from the Winnipeg Police Service.

The Winnipeg Police Service is looking to identify a suspect after a downtown assault left a man with a head injury.

The investigation began around 5 p.m. on Thursday when a 34-year-old man was found unconscious from an assault that resulted in him hitting his head on the pavement in the 0-99 block of Navy Way.

Police investigated and found that the incident started because the suspect “caused a disturbance” outside the victim’s home. Officers allege that when the victim went outside, he was immediately assaulted and thrown to the ground.

The victim, a 34-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with a head injury but has since been released. Police said he will require further medical treatment and likely has a long recovery.

Police have spoken to witnesses who described the suspect as being a tall man between the ages of 25 and 30, with shaggy brown hair and a short brown beard. At the time of the assault, he was wearing light blue jeans, white Nike running shoes with a black swoosh, and a blue Winnipeg Jets jersey with white “Byfuglien” lettering and the number 33 on the back. He was last spotted running north towards Smith Street.

The major crimes unit is asking the public for help in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-796-8477.