Homicide investigation shuts down Portage Avenue for hours

Police have reopened a large section of Portage Avenue after it was closed to traffic for a homicide investigation in downtown Winnipeg on Tuesday morning.

The road closures, which significantly slowed down the morning commute, were lifted just after 1 p.m.

Police tape surroundedthe street in front oftheMTS Centre, whereclothingand blood could be seen on a curb.

Officers were called tothe scene just before 4 a.m. An injured person was rushed to hospital and later pronounced dead.

"Clearly, we're dealing with a violent incident here," said police spokespersonConst.Jason Michalyshen, who would giveno details about the victim's gender or age.

Westbound Portage was blocked at Smith Street andeastbound Portage was blocked atHargraveStreet through the morning. One block of Donald Street was also blocked, betweenElliceAvenue and Portage.

Michalyshensaid the investigation covered a large scene and required "tedious, meticulous" work by theforensic identification unit.

"We are going to inconvenience a lot of people but that will have to take a back seat to a very unfortunate circumstance," he said during the seven-hour closure. "An individual has lost their life."

Michalyshenwould not say if a weapon was involved or if anyone had been arrested.

"It would be premature to start speaking on specifics about what took place," he said, adding that interviews are ongoing.

Anybody with information about the incident is urged to contact the police service's homicide unit at204-986-6508or CrimeStoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

"We're eager to speak to anyone," saidMichalyshen.

Downtown workers feel safe

Several Winnipeggers who work downtown told CBC News that even with the homicide, they believe the area is generally safe.

"I do genuinely feel safe downtown. I think it's a good place to work and a good place to live," said Shane Livingstone, who believes the city has to address social problems related to poverty and homelessness.

Greg Kirton, who works near the MTS Centre, said while he believes downtown Winnipeg is not the safest place to be at night, it's still safer than downtown areas in cities like Toronto.

"I feel very comfortable during the day. There's all sorts of BIZ patrol. You have the police station now just down the street," he said.

"I've never had any concerns during the day. But I'm a little nervous about being here at nighttime."