WINNIPEG, MB – What one man thought was an online date turned out to be an ambush for money.

A man reported to police that on December 19, 2017 he made arrangements through an on-line dating site to meet a female at a home in the 300 block of Maryland Street.

Shortly after midnight, the male victim went to the house and was welcomed in by two women. Once in the house, the women demanded money from the victim which he disputed as he was under the impression that it was a consensual encounter.

Three men then emerged from within the home and also demanded money. When the victim refused to pay, he was attacked. The victim smashed a window in an effort to escape the house, however the group continued to assault the victim during which time he was struck in the upper body several times with a metal object. The victim was then bound, forced into his vehicle and driven to his house where the suspects entered and removed valuables.

The victim was then driven to another location where the vehicle was abandoned with him inside. The man was able to let himself out of the vehicle and get help.

Police located five suspects in the 300 block of Maryland Street. All were taken into custody and arrested.

Yesterday, a sixth suspect, a 16-year-old female, turned herself in.

In all a 33-year-old female, 27-year-old male, 15-year-old and 17-year-old females, and a 16-year-old male were arrested. They have been charged with a number of offences, including Aggravated Assault, Forcible Confinement, Kidnapping, and Robbery.

Kevin Klein, Manitoba Post

File photo