Two men charged in string of lounge robberies

Two men have been charged following a string of robberies earlier in January targeting businesses.

Winnipeg police have arrested and charged two men following a string of robberies primarily targeting lounges in the city.

According to police, officers responded to multiple reports of robberies at various hotels, restaurants and bars around the city. They said the robberies were committed by suspects wearing masks and armed with a handgun and bear spray. In one instance, a victim reported seeing a hand grenade, but police have not been able to confirm if one was used.

The suspects demanded VLT money or cash from employees before fleeing the scene. Police said they used stolen licence plates to avoid being detected.

Businesses were robbed on multiple days including:

-A lounge in the 11 block of St. Mary’s Road on Jan. 1;

-Lounges on La Fleche Street, St. Mary’s Road and Pembina Highway on Jan. 6;

-Lounges on Ness Avenue, Dumoulin Street, Osborne Street and Main Street on Jan. 8; and

-A lounge on Regent Avenue West and a store on London Street on Jan. 10.

The major crimes unit started investigating, and identified suspects, who were both arrested on Jan. 14. Several items related to the robberies were also seized following a search warrant.

A 41-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, both of Winnipeg, were charged with multiple armed robbery and weapons related charges. They have been detained in custody, and the charges have not been proven in court.