WINNIPEG – A brazen domestic assault, while police were present, resulted in a dramatic rescue from a second floor window.

Police responded to a domestic call at a home on McDermot Avenue and while they were speaking to the victim and her three young children, a man forced the door open, striking one of the officers.

He then fled to a nearby yard and broke a window to a parked vehicle.

The victim put her children into her vehicle at which time the suspect approached and began banging on the windows, causing them to shatter. One officer attempted to subdue the suspect with the use of a taser but was unsuccessful.

The female and a male relative returned to the home and attempted to barricade the door; however, the suspect forced the door, causing it to strike them both.

One officer entered the suite and was able to safely remove the male and female while the suspect yelled threats towards the officer. The male suspect then barricaded himself in the suite and proceeded to destroy items within.

The suspect then started a fire that quickly spread to a second-floor suite in the home. Three adults and a child became trapped. All four were forced to jump from the second story into the arms of officers below. They were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.

The K9 Unit and Tactical Support Team (TST) were eventually able to remove the suspect and take him into custody.

A 26-year-old male has been charged with

Arson with Disregard for Human Life X4

Arson Causing Damage to Property

Break Enter & Commit Assault – Dwelling House X3

Mischief Under $5000/Obstruct in Enjoyment X2

Assault Peace Officer

Resist Peace Officer

Mischief Over $5000

He has been detained.