A man thought to be responsible for two unprovoked attacks on pedestrians in the Centennial area of Winnipeg in April has been arrested and charged.
31-year-old Aaron Dean Roger Laquette now faces a charge of assault causing bodily harm and a second charge of assault in connection with the incidents.
The first victim, a 56-year-old man, was walking westbound on Pacific Street at approximately 8:00 in the morning on March 30, 2023, when the suspect approached him. Police say the suspect struck the victim in the upper body without provocation, and the victim fell to the sidewalk. Officers say the first assault was quickly followed by a second one, this time in the area of the 200 block of Princess Street.
General patrol officers were able to identify Laquette through their investigation and arrested him on April 27, 2023, at the corner of Graham Avenue and Smith Street. They say Laquette was observed harassing pedestrians in the area for an extended period and officers recognized him as the person being sought in relation to the assaults. He was arrested without incident.
The investigation into the March incidents is continuing as police have yet to identify or speak with the second victim. They’re asking anyone with information or video surveillance in the area, and those who interacted with the suspect, to contact investigators at 204-986-6316 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
