Man facing 21 charges after several recent thefts

Winnipeg police have charged a 22-year-old man in connection to several robberies that happened on Apr. 7 and 9.

Police say over two days officers received several reports of commercial robberies at gas stations and convenience stores along the Henderson Highway.

During several of the incidents, a masked suspect, who was armed with a knife, reportedly threatened employees and demanded money and cigarettes.

Timeline of the events:

• On April 7, at around 6:30 p.m., at a gas bar in the 900 block of Henderson Hwy. During the robbery, an employee was stabbed, and the suspect fled on foot, making good his escape with merchandise. The victim, in their 20s, was transported to hospital in unstable condition and upgraded to stable condition.
• On April 9, at around 6:00 a.m., at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Henderson Hwy, merchandise was stolen.
• On April 9, at around 9:15 a.m., at a convenience store in the 1800 block of Henderson Hwy, merchandise was stolen.
• On April 9, at around 9:20 a.m., at a fast food restaurant in the 1700 block of Henderson Hwy, nothing was stolen.
• On April 9, at around 9:30 a.m., at a gas station restaurant in the 1900 block of Henderson Hwy. An employee attempted to hold the door closed to prevent entry, but the suspect overpowered him and made off with money.
• On April 9, at around 10:30 p.m., at a convenience store in the 1800 block of Henderson Hwy (that he had previously robbed that morning), money was stolen.
• After leaving the last robbery, the accused ran across a grocery store parking lot in the 1700 block of Henderson Hwy, where he confronted a man, demanded his property, and attempted to punch and rob him.

Officers who were searching the area noticed the final incident listed and were able to take the suspect into custody after a short foot chase.

The man was taken to hospital where it was later believed that he was under the influence of methamphetamine.

Since, 22-year-old Aaron Braiden Beaupre has been charged with 21 offences relating to robbery, aggravated assault, and weapons.