In August 2025, a security guard in Winnipeg was almost stabbed while trying to prevent a grocery store from being robbed. While the suspect initially got away, he was later apprehended by Winnipeg Police. What started as an ordinary shift for this security guard, quickly turned violent. This incident serves as a stark reminder that in the private security world, there is no such thing as a routine day.
In this post, we will take a look at what happened, discuss risk factors for security guards working in retail settings, and explore practical lessons to keep yourself safe, while still performing your duties.
Manitoba Security Guard training is available with SGC, along with supplemental training in Use of Force, Loss Prevention and Conflict De-Escalation.
The Incident
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, a suspect entered the store, selected some meat products, and attempted to leave without paying. When confronted by the security guard, the man produced a knife and attempted to stab the guard. The security guard was then punched in the face and the man fled the store. Police were called, and were able to quickly locate and arrest the male.
While no one was seriously injured, this highlights the dangers that security guards face when protecting people and property. The guard did what most others would do in this situation. Intervene to protect the property. After all, that is why security was hired in the first place…right? The problem is that security guards are not trained or equipped to deal with high risk situations involving weapons and violence. Yet that is the type of situation that they are very likely to find themselves in.
Right across Canada, and around the world, similar confrontations are becoming more common. Retail thefts are increasing, and the thieves are becoming more aggressive and violent. For security guards, this growing trend emphasizes the need for strong situational awareness, communication and personal safety skills.
Key Risk Factors
Although not all of the details are known, we can identify certain elements that likely contributed to the outcome. Through these we can discuss ways in which security guards can safely respond in similar situations.
Proximity and Positioning
The further away someone is, the safer you are. Maintaining a reactionary gap of at least 6 feet (2 meters) allows you time to react to an attack. In this case the suspect was armed with a knife, creating a life-threatening danger for the guard. Fortunately they were able to avoid being stabbed or cut. However, the attacker did get close enough to strike the guard in the face, causing minor injuries.
Apparent Lack of Backup
It is quite common for only one security guard to be posted in a grocery store, typically at the exit. The primary purpose is to act as a visual deterrent to theft. To intervene directly to prevent a theft means assuming a tremendous amount of risk. Both in terms of safety and liability. A guard acting alone must manage observation, communication, and safety all at once.
The Environment/Layout of the Store
Depending on the store’s layout and where the interaction occurred, there may have been limited escape routes, or barriers that restrict movement and options. Knowing the layout of the store, and being selective in when and where to intervene are key safety considerations.
Suspect Unpredictability
People are unpredictable by nature. Someone under stress, under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or suffering from mental illness are even less predictable. In this case, it appeared to be a simple matter of stealing some meat from the store. Yet it very quickly turned into a life-threatening situation involving a weapon. Assuming that someone will react to you in a specific way is dangerous. Each and every interaction has the potential to become dangerous. Security guards must always be prepared.
Lessons for Security Guards
Check out this blogpost for further reading.
Maintain a Reactionary Gap
Stay at least 6 feet back when engaging with a suspect. Utilize tactical positioning principles by standing off-centre to them when in conversation. Pay close attention to the suspect’s hands; where they are and what they’re doing, or holding. If you can’t see them, and they won’t show them, assume they’re holding a weapon.
Distance equals time. Time to observe, to think and to react. If the suspect tries to close the distance, direct them to move back. If they won’t, you step back. If they continue to approach, take it as a sign of escalation.
Recognize Body Language Cues
Someone’s body language can tell you a lot about their intentions. It can even help you predict the future, if you know what you’re looking for. Pay close attention for pre-assault indicators such as:
- Shifting weight from foot to foot.
- Scanning the environment.
- Clenched and/or raised fists.
- Chest puffing out.
- Glaring.
If you see any of these behaviours, consider disengaging, moving to a safer area, and calling the police.
Focus on Communication
Communication is a security guard’s greatest asset. Clear, concise communication can de-escalate conflicts and gain compliance.
- When there is urgency, be directive: “Stay where you are!”, “Take two steps back!”
- Use your paraverbals (tone, volume and cadence) to project a calm confidence.
- Avoid insults, sarcasm, shouting, and other verbal escalators.
- Provide the suspect with options to resolve the conflict that make sense to them, and help them to save face.
Many interactions become violent because the suspect feels trapped or embarrassed. Being calm and professional, while treating people with dignity and respect can reduce the risk.
Never Chase or Corner Someone
Running after or cornering a suspect further increases their sense of panic. As a result, they are more likely to respond with violence.
It is security’s job to protect property, but not at the expense of safety. Nor is it about ego or a desire to “win”. When safety risks are present, the best thing is to observe and collect as much information as possible about the suspect, their actions, direction of flight, etc. This information will help the police to conduct an effective investigation and follow up.
Chasing a suspect also creates other risks, including slips and falls, collisions with bystanders or vehicles. Security guards must be careful not to create a situation that’s even more dangerous than the current one.
Disengage for Safety
When the situation escalates:
- Call for assistance: Create distance and call for backup.
- Utilize barriers: Use tables, counters and even doors to place an obstacle between the suspect and yourself.
- Maintain visual contact: Keep the suspect in sight and continue to observe their behaviour while awaiting backup or police to arrive.
- Document: Once the situation has been resolved, be sure to document everything thoroughly.
Good documentation is essential for effective follow up. Record your observations, what the suspect said and did, and how you responded. This information will help the police, as well as provide protection from liability, should legal questions arise.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Making appropriate decisions requires a sound understanding of a security guard’s legal authorities and other obligations when faced with a shoplifter.
Arrest Authority
Under section 494(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada, private security guards may arrest someone without warrant if they find them committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property they are hired to protect.
While they may have the authority to arrest, it comes with the following conditions:
- The guard must witness the theft take place.
- The arrest must be made immediately following the crime being committed.
- Any force used must be reasonable, proportionate and for the purposes of control.
- The suspect must be turned over to the police as soon as possible.
Duty of Care and Professional Conduct
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA) and it’s Code of Conduct requires security guards to behave professionally, avoid unnecessary force, and treat people with dignity and respect.
Violations of the PSISA Code of Conduct can result in the suspension of the guard’s security licence, fines, and even criminal charges if their actions violate the law.
Necessity and Proportionality
Check out this blogpost for further reading.
Canadian courts judge use of force cases based on necessity and proportionality. Even if the arrest itself is legal, the use of excessive force to detain and control the suspect can lead to criminal charges for the guard. There is also the risk of civil liability for both the guard and their employer.
Key Takeaways
- Maintain a reactionary gap: Distance equals safety. Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and the suspect.
- Every interaction carries risk: Shoplifting is not a violent crime, but thieves are often prepared to use violence to avoid capture. This may include using weapons.
- Communication is key: Calm, confident communication is your secret weapon.
- Know your role: Security guards are not police officers. They lack the training, equipment and authority to safely manage high risk situations. Know your limits.
- Document everything: Take good notes, write good reports. Documentation assists the police, keeps employers informed, and provides data that can identify increasing risks and new areas of concern.
- Training and education: Develop and practice your communication and decision-making skills. Participate in scenario training to practice safe and effective interventions.
Conclusion
Retail organizations across Canada are facing increasing levels of theft, as criminals become bolder and more violent. Security guards are tasked with trying to reduce the risk, which often puts them in harm’s way. The Winnipeg incident is a stark reminder of just how quickly a simple interaction can escalate. Thankfully, the security guard walked away with only minor injuries.
If you are one of the professionals working tirelessly to protect people and property, you owe it to yourself to be as prepared as possible. Review your site’s policies, understand your legal authorities and ethical obligations. Seek out and take advantage of learning opportunities to improve your safety and decision-making skills.
References
Department of Justice Canada. (2025). Criminal Code, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46, s. 494. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/section-494.html
Government of Ontario. (2005). Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 34 – Bill 159. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/070363
Winnipeg Police Service. (2025, August 24). Security guard nearly stabbed during grocery store robbery; suspect in custody (C25-198720). Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.winnipeg.ca/police/community/news-releases/2025-08-24-security-guard-nearly-stabbed-during-grocery-store-robbery-suspect-custody-c25-198720