Man Charged After Attempted Knife Attack on Priest: Winnipeg Police

A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder badge is seen at the Public Information Office on Sept. 2, 2021. The Canadian Press/David Lipnowski

Police have charged a 50-year-old man after an attempted knife attack on a priest in Winnipeg.

The incident happened during a church service on Feb. 9 around 6 p.m., according to police.

Winnipeg police said they received a complaint of someone interrupting a church service in the 300 block of Selkirk Avenue.

Police say when they arrived, they learned that a 50-year-old suspect had approached the altar with a knife.

A 38-year old priest was at the altar conducting a service at the time.

”The suspect attempted to assault the victim, who managed to escape unharmed,” police said.

Officials say the suspect drove the knife into the altar. He then sat down in a chair at the back of the altar.

There were no injuries were reported, according to police.

As a result of the incident, Pawel Olownia has been charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and disturbing a meeting.

An off-duty RCMP member helped detain the suspect, with the help of other church attendees, police said. When police arrived, they arrested Olownia.

A message on the parish’s Facebook page thanked everyone who helped during the incident.

“We thank God that no one was injured or hurt. We ask that you continue to pray for the entire parish community, and we assure you of our prayers as well,” the Feb. 12 post said.

The parish also said that all masses and devotions will still be celebrated as scheduled.

Montreal Attack

A similar attack on a priest took place in Montreal in 2019. In that incident, the priest was attacked during a livestream of a church service by a man with a knife.

Rev. Claude Grou was stabbed during that incident and was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries following the March 22 attack.

The incident drew international attention from media.

Mayor Valerie Plante commented on it through social media, saying it was a “horrible and inexcusable act.” She wished Grou a speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also wished the priest well in a social media post.

“Father Claude Grou, Canadians are thinking of you and wishing you a swift recovery,” he wrote in the post.

The suspect in that incident, Vlad Cristian Eremia, was 27 years at the time. He was ultimately found not criminally responsible for his actions. Eremia had been facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a weapon.

Grou returned to work one week later. He said that he has no resentment for the attack. He said he hoped the suspect got the help he needed.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.