Passengers intervene, stop sexual assault on Winnipeg bus: police

A Winnipeg Transit bus is pictured near the Fort Rouge Transit Station on Sept. 17, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with a sexual assault aboard a Winnipeg Transit bus over the weekend.

The incident began around 11 p.m. Sunday when police said a man and a woman started talking to each other on Portage Avenue. According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the man then started to hug and kiss the woman, who managed to break free and get onto a parked Winnipeg Transit bus.

Officers allege the man followed and sat next to the victim before starting to sexually assault her. Passengers then intervened and stopped the attack.

Officers, who were in the area on an unrelated matter, found and arrested the suspect.

A 23-year-old man is facing a charge of sexual assault. The charge has not been proven in court.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.