WINNIPEG – A 48 year-old man, high on methamphetamine, started a fire in an oven with his shoes before threatening and injuring other tenants in the building with a knife.

Fire crews and police arrived to the call on McDermot Avenue and learned a male suspect visiting the suite had previously consumed methamphetamine and was exhibiting paranoid behaviour. As a result, he started a fire by burning his shoes in an open oven. Other tenants heard a loud bang and were alerted to the fire. As they were leaving, tenants saw the suspect holding a knife. During a brief confrontation with the suspect, one man was stabbed once, causing a minor injury, and a woman was struck with an unknown object.The man was transported to hospital in stable condition where he was treated and released.

Tenants attempted to extinguish the fire by activating the available fire extinguishers prior to firefighters attending.

Once Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service extinguished the fire, officers searched the building and did not locate any further persons or weapons.

The suspect, Alex John Abraham who was being treated by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, was placed under arrest. He was transported to hospital, treated, and medically cleared. He has been charged with the following:

Arson with Disregard for Human Life X6

Arson Causing Damage to Property

Assault with a Weapon X2

He was detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.