Winnipeg Police have a 36-year-old male in custody after he threatened two arborists with a chainsaw he stole from them.
Police say that around 12:30 pm on April 29, 2020, the two arborists were working near the Disraeli Freeway and Lily Street when a man approached them and began a conversation.
During the conversation, the male suspect began to threaten the arborists with a large metal disc-like object. The male then picked up a chainsaw that was nearby, started it and began to wave it around. The arborists took refuge in their truck.
The suspect then attacked the truck using the chainsaw before moving on to the Disraeli Freeway where he allegedly swung the running saw at motorists and a person on a bicycle.
When officers arrived the man was still in possession of the running saw. He had a brief encounter with police but was quickly taken into custody.
Lionel Adolph Ballantyne, from Winnipeg, has been charged for his alleged involvement with:
- Assault with a Weapon (x2)
- Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm (x2)
- Theft Under $5000
- Mischief Under $5,000/Obstruct in Enjoyment
He was detained in custody.
