On May 29, 2022 at approximately 9:50 p.m. Pembina Valley RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing that had occurred at a gravel pit in the RM of Roland. An 18-year-old male from Winkler was stabbed several times and was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He was later transported to Winnipeg for further treatment. The initial investigation has determined that the victim was at a gravel pit with friends when an altercation occurred with another group of people and he was stabbed.
Three suspects were identified and arrested later that night. Two 17-year-old males from Winkler, are facing a charge of Assault with a Weapon. An 18-year-old male from Reinfeld is facing a charge of Aggravated Assault. They were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court on August 9, 2022, in Morden. Pembina Valley RCMP continue to investigate.
Just last summer there were a couple of similar incidents. On July 12, 2021 the Empire-Advance website ran an article describing a stabbing that took place at a gravel pit party south of Roland, MB. A large crowd was in attendance and a fight broke out. As a result a young man was transported to hospital with stab wounds.
Then on August 23, 2021 Steinbach Online reported that an RCMP officer was taken to hospital trying to break up a pit party near La Broquerie. On that occasion officers responded to several calls that over 30 vehicles were parked along Provincial Road 302. When RCMP arrived at the scene there were more than 100 cars and over 500 people. Some of the participants became hostile to the police and began to throw rocks and bottles. The affected officer was cut by broken glass and taken to the hospital as a precaution.
