WINNIPEG – Two suspects were arrested after terrorizing a home that included young children and spraying them with bear spray.

When police arrived they were told that a number of people had forced their way into the home on Powers Street at about 10:25pm. They confronted a 20 year-old man and pointed a firearm at him. He was sprayed with bear spray which affected a number of individuals including a 3 year-old, 5 year-old and 7 year-old.

One of the suspects then confronted a woman in the home with a hatchet, along with her daughter, threatening to assault her mother. They fled with an undisclosed amount of property.

A short time later, officers removed three suspects from a home on College Avenue and they were taken into custody. Members of the Major Crimes Unit continued with the investigation. The incident is not believed to be random in nature.

25 year-old Brandon David Thomas Richard has been charged with:

– Break Enter & Commit Robbery – Dwelling House

– Disguise with Intent

– Possession of a Weapon (x3)

– Assault with a Weapon (x6)

– Pointing a Firearm

– Use of Firearm During Commission of an Indictable Offence

– Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

– Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

– Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (x3)

22 year-old Jarrett Michael Stevens has been charged with:

– Break Enter & Commit Robbery – Dwelling House

– Disguise with Intent

– Possession of a Weapon (x3)

– Assault with a Weapon (x6)

– Pointing a Firearm

– Use of Firearm During Commission of an Indictable Offence

– Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

– Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

– Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (x4)

They were held in custody.

One suspect was released without charges.