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Newcomer couple cut in knifepoint robbery in downtown Winnipeg

Newcomer couple cut in knifepoint robbery in downtown Winnipeg

A 36-year-old man faces several charges after a couple who are new to Canada were robbed at knifepoint in downtown Winnipeg last week.

The couple was on Portage Avenue near Donald Street on Thursday evening so they could attend a course nearby with the Entry Program, which provides settlement orientation and an introduction to English, a staff member with the program told CBC News.

Winnipeg police said the woman and man were approached by a man who tried to sell them stolen goods. When they refused, he grabbed the woman's purse.

As the couple tried to get the purse back, they were cut by a knife, police said.

Witnesses heard the woman screaming and one ran after the suspect, who dropped the purse and ran off. The witness returned the purse to the couple, police said.

They were treated in hospital for minor injuries.

A suspect was later arrested at a hotel on Albert Street and remains in custody. Police said he has been charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, robbery, uttering threats and possession of a weapon.

Police want anyone who might have witnessed the altercation to contact investigators at 204-986-6668.