A suspect discharged a stolen police Taser during a confrontation with a large group of people outside the same nightclub where it was taken three weeks ago, Winnipeg police said.

On Saturday, police were called to the District Stop nightclub on Bannatyne Avenue around 2 a.m. after the suspect got into a confrontation with a group of people.

The Taser was activated without hitting anyone and the crowd dispersed, police said.

Police identified a suspect and arrested him in a suite on Mayfair Place a couple hours later.

"We're very pleased we have this individual in our care and we are holding him accountable for his actions," said Const. Jason Michalyshen.

READ MORE: Winnipeg police recover Taser 3 weeks after reported stolen

The Taser was taken on Sept. 3 when patrol officers stopped to help a man injured during a fight involving a group of people outside in the 100 block of Bannatyne Avenue around 2:30 a.m.

One of the officers fired the Taser when people in the crowd started assaulting the officers, police said. The officer dropped the Taser in the struggle and after that it went missing.

Police said both confrontations happened in the same spot.

Zekariyas Sirak, 19, faces multiple theft and weapons-related charges including assault with a weapon and pointing a firearm.
 

Area residents feel safe

One resident in the area told CTV News that although a weapon in the community is concerning, overall the area is safe.

“A member of the public has a weapon, of course that should be concerning to everybody,” said Jennifer O’Connor.

O'Connor lives on Waterfront Drive and said she takes precautions to stay safe. "We just moved down here last year and where I go it's very light, there's lots of people around. I feel like there's a real presence of community police, which I appreciate."

Michael Sellors said the neighbouhood has improved over the years.

“We don't have a lot of problems, but there used to be lots and lots of fights down here when there were lots of bars down here, and now it's quite a lot better," he said.