WINNIPEG - Police have charged a 16-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a younger boy during a violent, unprovoked robbery last month.

The 13-year-old victim was slashed with a knife and suffered a 20-cm cut that required 33 stitches to close.

The daylight robbery occurred in an alley on Aug. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

In an earlier interview, the boy said he was on his bicycle with friends when a male punched him, knocking him off his bike.

The boy said the male stole his T-shirt, shoes, hat, chain necklace and keys.

As he lay on the ground the suspect slashed his back with a sharp object, possibly a utility knife, he said.

His friends fled.

The suspect ran away but was identified and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested at a Winnipeg home Friday morning, police said.

Police said the 16-year-old boy was charged with aggravated assault and robbery with a weapon.

He is in custody at the Manitoba Youth Centre.

The suspect is well-known to police, said spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen.