Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 7:40 pm on Thursday evening, officers responded to a report of a fight at the skate park in the 900 block of Princess Ave. Witnesses at the scene advised that a group of 5 people, 1 man and 4 women who witnesses described as indigenous in appearance started an altercation with a black man at the skate park by yelling racial slurs at him. A fight broke out during which the victim defended himself against the group and was stabbed by a woman. The victim was taken to Brandon Regional Health Centre by a citizen before police arrived. Officers located the scene of the altercation and the Forensic Identification Unit and the Major Crimes Unit were called to continue the investigation. A patrol officer located a woman matching the description of one of the suspects in the 800 block of Rosser Ave. The woman had blood on her clothing and a knife with blood on it was in her pocket. She was arrested. A second female suspect was also located nearby and arrested. Video of the incident was located and viewed by officers. The video shows an altercation occurred between a group of five people, one male and 4 females and a man at the skate park. The group of people yell racial slurs at the man who is black. A fight breaks out between the victim and a male suspect and the other four suspects join in, attacking the man with punches and kicks. The victim defends himself, and is holding one of the suspects down when one of the women pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim 5 times in the side of his abdomen. The altercation ends as the man walks away, bleeding from wounds on his side. The female with the knife also slashed the tires of the man’s vehicle before the stabbing occurred. Emergency surgery was performed on the man at the hospital and at last word, he is awake and alert and expected to make a full recovery. The two suspects who are related are in custody and will appear in court on Friday morning. The first suspect, a 23 year old woman from Brandon, is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Weapon, Mischief to Property Under $5000, Public Incitement of Hatred and Failing to Comply with a Release Order. The second suspect, a 20 year old woman from Sioux Valley, is charged with Assault, Public Incitement of Hatred, Public Mischief and Failing to Comply with a Release Order. The investigation is ongoing, including locating the other three suspects involved in the assault. Further charges are pending.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On August 21st, a man was checked by police and had in his possession 3 debit machines and a pair of bolt cutters. Further investigation revealed the debit machines were stolen out of a business on Princess Ave that was broken into on August 12th. The accused, a 41 year old from Brandon, was located and arrested on Wednesday evening. He will appear in court on Thursday.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance for everyone to join in promoting understanding about suicide: those impacted by a suicide attempt or loss, family or friends, organizations, professionals, politicians, volunteers, and community members. Every year on September 10th, people in over 50 countries connect to continue Working Together to Prevent Suicide.   This theme marks the importance of communities everywhere coming together to recognize the impact of suicide and to strive to prevent it.  WSPD reminds us that teamwork and solidarity make us stronger together and it is an opportunity to spread the message that help, hope, and healing are possible. It is estimated that each day in Canada, 10 people will end their life and 210 will make a suicide attempt. Every year, 160 million people worldwide contemplate suicide and tragically, 800 000 of them die by suicide.   If we all do our part, we can prevent those deaths that do happen and the devastating impact they have. Virtual World Suicide Prevention Day activities are planned in the Prairie Mountain Health region during the week of September 8-11, 2020. The Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) will be highlighting and recognizing the incredible work of several community organizations who make Brandon & Area suicide safer.  During this especially challenging time with Covid 19, it is important to note how these organizations have adapted their services and outreach to those at risk.  The interviews with dignitaries and community organizations will be on SPIN social media throughout the week. SPIN has also become a champion for the Centre for Suicide Prevention’s Buddy Up campaign. Men have a suicide rate 3X higher than women but these suicides can be prevented.  This campaign was created for men by men, encouraging them to have real conversations with their buddies and to support them if they are struggling with thoughts of suicide.  Here’s what you can do:  Pay Attention to noticeable changes in behaviour; Start a Conversation in a comfortable setting and mention what you have noticed; Keep it Going by asking questions and listening to what he’s saying; and Stick to Your Role – you’re a friend, not a counselor, but know what resources are available.  Watch for the #buddyup electronic messages on 18th Street billboards and posters/stickers around the city. For more information on suicide awareness educational opportunities, events, and resources, please go to the SPIN website at www.spinbrandon.ca. If you are struggling yourself or are concerned about someone else’s suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help.  Contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to the resources you need. Locally you can contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 888-1-379-7699. In an emergency call 911 or contact a local hospital. (submitted)

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the 1100 block of Victoria Ave on Wednesday afternoon for a two vehicle crash. The crash involved a City of Brandon garbage truck, and a small SUV. It appeared that the garbage truck was coming out of a back-lane onto Victoria Ave when it made contact with a westbound SUV, shearing a large hole in the rear door of the SUV. Fire crews deployed a large amount of sand to help soak up fluids that were leaking from the SUV. No one was injured.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 3:30 on Tuesday afternoon, police attended the area of the 200 block of 4 Street after a female was reported in the area, taking mail and small packages out of mailboxes. The female, a 21-year-old from Brandon, was located with items from approximately 15 different mailboxes. She was arrested and released for court in October.