A man with a machete who attempted to rob two armoured transportation guards has been arrested and remains in police custody in hospital.

The man was taken to hospital in critical condition, but was later upgraded to stable condition after he was shot by one of the guards.

The Winnipeg Police Service said Friday the man was hurt after one of the armoured transportation guards discharged his weapon when the man with the machete confronted the two employees operating a GardaWorld truck.

The attempted robbery happened in the parking lot of the Tyndall Market Mall at Burrows Avenue and Keewatin Street at around 12:45 a.m. on Friday.

There are several retail businesses, a Liquor Mart and a TD Canada Trust bank in the mall.

A spokesperson for the security company, GardaWorld, said one of its cash services officers suffered minor injuries but is safe.

GardaWorld said one of its employees was attacked by a suspect armed with a machete following a delivery of currency to a client.

Winnipeg police spokesperson Const. Eric Hofley said officers are investigating an attempted robbery.

While the investigation is still underway, Hofley said it appears the guard was acting in self-defense.

"At the end of the day, what we do know is that two fellows were doing their job as best as they could, and all of a sudden they were confronted by an armed individual and one of them was forced to discharge his firearm,” said Hofley.

Hofley said it’s unclear whether the attack was planned. He said that’s a question investigators are hoping to answer.

"What the motive is, what might have driven this fellow to do this, whether he was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, that remains to be seen.”

Winnipeg police won’t say what kind of weapon was used and won’t elaborate on the injuries suffered by the suspect or the guard.

GardaWorld said its cash services officers receive “proper training” to perform their duties and to carry weapons.

The company said for security reasons, it’s not disclosing what kind of weapons are carried by cash services officers.

Police have not released the suspect’s name or age and he won’t be officially charged until after he is medically cleared.