Winnipeg police link man charged with robbery to additional business thefts

Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) says a 40-year-old who was charged earlier this month with breaking and entering as well as assault, is facing new charges after being linked to additional thefts in November and December.

WPS says on Dec. 19, officers responded to a multi-car collision in the Sage Creek neighborhood.

While investigating the collision, officers learned “a lone suspect operating a 2001 Dodge Ram towing a trailer had attended to a commercial property and attempted to steal a skid steer utility vehicle. An on-site employee interrupted the theft and followed the suspect as he fled in the vehicle. During the escape, the suspect rammed the employee’s vehicle damaging both in the process. The suspect eventually stranded the vehicle in the snow near Robert Bockstael Drive and Siskin Bay,” said Winnipeg police in a statement.

Following the incident, police say the suspect ran away, on foot. He was later located and charged.

Investigators were able to determine the suspect and the 2001 Dodge Ram, which has been confirmed as stolen. They add he attended a business along Chevrier Boulevard, where he is believed to have accessed sheds before leaving without any items.

Officers say they also believe the following day, Nov. 06, he attended a store along Melnick Road. A 2015 Lund Crossover boat, a 2015 Shoreland’r trailer, a 2007 Shoreland’r trailer, a 2022 Tebben trailer, a John Deere 1025R tractor, a John Deere 60” lawn mower attachment, and a John Deere front end loader attachment were all reported stolen.

On Dec. 2, a business along Portage Avenue reported a ZZZ Flat Bed trailer loaded with a 1996 Toyota Tacoma was stolen.

WPS add between Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, a business along Melnick Road was broken into. Keys to a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD were obtained, and a 2018 Aluma Utility trailer loaded with a 2016 Ski-Doo Grand Touring LE 900, and two 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade 600 Ace were reported stolen.

On Dec. 18, officers say the stolen 2005 Chevrolet Silverado was seen at a business along Creek Bend Road where an attempted robbery occurred, but was stopped by a security guard.

Lastly, between Dec. 18 and 19, a 2022 Northstar Utility trailer loaded with a John Deere 737 Ride-on lawn mower and a 2015 John Deere Gator 4×2 was stolen from a business along Melnick Road.

WPS say investigators have been able to link the 40-year-old to all the incidents, and he is facing additional robbery and break-and-enter charges.