Two men were arrested after police say they shot a bystander who tried to break up a fight between the men and a third individual in Winnipeg last month.

Officers from the Western District General Patrol and the Tactical Support Team responded to a report of two men shooting at people on Corydon Avenue between Hugo and Arbuthnot streets on Oct. 5 at 2:30 a.m., police said in a statement. Sunday press release.

Both men, ages 18 and 19, fled the area, one on foot and the other in a vehicle, before police officers arrived, according to the release.

Shortly after, police were notified that a 44-year-old man was sent to the hospital with injuries to his upper body from a gunshot wound. Police believe, based on their investigation, that the two men and a third person got into a fight when the bystander intervened to help the third man and was shot.

Police said a vehicle was also struck during the altercation.

The Major Crimes Unit identified the two men accused of shooting the pedestrian and searched homes on Code Street and Monarch Mews on Friday.

Police found approximately 18 grams of cocaine, a counterfeit bill, a counterfeit identification document and approximately $5,000.

The defendants were arrested and both charged with aggravated assault, intentionally discharging a prohibited firearm, possessing an unauthorized firearm and carrying a concealed weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, in addition to other charges, according to the release. .

Investigators also linked one of the defendants to a separate investigation involving a report of a gunshot on Smith Street between Broadway and St. Mary Avenue in March. Police said no injuries were reported during this incident.

The 18 and 19 year olds were detained.

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