Robbery victim escapes Winnipeg home after assault, attackers flee in stolen car: police

A 20-year-old man who went to a North End home earlier this month tomeet a woman he had been communicating with on social media was instead tied up and assaulted by a group of men, Winnipeg police say.

The assault happened on Nov. 4, when the victim went to a residence on the 300 block of Selkirk Avenue between Charles and Salter streets around midnight to meet with the woman.

Theman told police that when he entered the home, he was surrounded by a group of men he didn't know, who were armed with baseball bats and a gun, police said in a Saturday news release.

The 20-year-oldwas tied up and assaulted, and had his personal belongings stolen, including his car keys and his vehicle.

The victim managed to escape from his restraints while the group of men were in another room. He fled andwas able to get to safety, police said.

He was injured but he did not ask formedical attention at the time, police said.

His stolen vehicle has not been found. Police described itas a blue 2011 Chevy Cruze LT Turbo with Manitoba licence plateLJS 195. The vehicle has a spare tire on the rear passenger side, a dented driver's side door and tinted windows.

Police also warn that the firearm used in therobbery hasnot been found.

If anyone spots the vehicle, they'reencouraged not to approach it, but to call 911 immediately.

Police are also asking anyone with information to contact them at 204-986-6219, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 (TIPS)or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.