Robbery suspect shot by Winnipeg police

A man is in stable condition after being shot by a Winnipeg police officer early Thursday.

Police were called to St. Mary's Road and Essex Avenue just after 2 a.m. following a report that a Duffy's taxi driver had been robbed.

When police arrived at the scene they confronted a suspect. Police said the suspect then charged at officers, armed with a knife.

At least one shot was fired and the suspect was taken to hospital in critical condition. His condition was later revised to stable.

Neighbours told CBC News they heard the sound of two or three loud pops or bangs at around the time of the incident.

One neighbour said she heard two shots and then saw police trying to remove clothing from a man who was lying on the street on Essex Avenue.

Sandra Lindsay lives just metres from the crimescene...and heard something similar.

"I wake up to ... what I though was bang bang... maybe just a bang."

Lindsay ran outside.

"So there was a body there ... they were ripping off the clothing. Then the ambulance came."

Const. Natalie Aitken said police have been so busy, they haven't yet idenfitied the suspect.

"It's still very much ongoing. We are making some efforts to identify this individual. I think initially when he was conveyed to the hospital in critical condition certainly his medical treatment would have been paramount."

As with any officer-involved shooting, the officers in this case will be placed on leave pending an investigation.

The suspect is now in stable condition in hospital.

Police remain at the scene, the major crimes unit is investigating.