Winnipeg security guard arrested after alleged assault of shoplifter caught on video

A security guard caught on video appearing to assault an alleged shoplifter at a Winnipeg store is now facing charges.

A security guard who was caught on camera allegedly assaulting a man accused of stealing from a downtown Winnipeg store has been arrested.

According to Winnipeg police, the security guard, a 23-year-old man, was arrested Monday night without incident.

He faces charges of assault with a weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

According to police, the initial incident happened on Feb. 28 at the Dollarama store in downtown Winnipeg.

Officers allege a 46-year-old man went to the store at 12:41 p.m. and tried to leave with stolen items. Police said the security guard blocked the exit, and the 46-year-old man then assaulted the security guard and threatened to kill him.

Police allege the security guard took control of the suspect, assaulted him with brass knuckles, tackled him and continued assaulting him on the ground, threatening to kill him.

The suspect in the robbery was previously arrested. He faces robbery and uttering threats charges and was released on an undertaking.

The alleged assault was captured on video, prompting a protest outside the store and Winnipeg police to investigate.

None of the charges against the suspect or the security guard have been proven in court.

Impact Security, the company that employed the security guard, confirmed he was removed from active duty. The guard’s licence was also suspended by the registrar that licenses security guards in Manitoba.

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With files from CTV’s Danton Unger