Police say a man working at a pizza restaurant in the 1100 block Concordia Avenue was taken to hospital in critical condition after being assaulted early Sunday morning.
Officers responded to an apparent robbery at around 2:40 a.m. Sunday and found a man who had been assaulted. The man remains in critical condition.
"The situation is not good. Our homicide unit is looking into it," said Const. Natalie Aitken, a spokesperson for Winnipeg police.
The victim is reported to be the store owner's relative. The owner of the Pizza Hotline restaurant said the company is devastated by what happened, but didn't want to comment further until the police investigation is complete.
A 19-year-old man was also working at the time of the robbery and was not hurt and ran to get help.
Police are looking for two suspects and said at least one was armed when the victim was assaulted.
"He was trying to defend himself in the back and apparently (a suspect) had an axe or something and just started beating him over the head. It's senseless. Nobody deserves that," said one woman, who knows the victim.
On Sunday, officers said it is unknown if the suspects made off with any cash, but police said it appears the safe and cash registers were targeted.
People who work nearby said the incident is hitting hard.
"We are all depressed. I hope the police can find the guys that did that," said Joon Chon.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to call officers at 986-7983 or Crime Stoppers at 786-8477.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
