Charges laid in string of arsons, including 2 Winnipeg MLA offices

Winnipeg police say they have laid charges in connection with a string of arsons in the city, including fires at two ministers’ offices and several restaurants.

Jesse Robert Shawn Wheatland now faces a total of 22 charges, including arson with a disregard for human life, 13 charges of arson causing damage to property, alongside some not related to fire, but other types of damage. 

“What I can tell you is we believe Wheatland was acting alone when he attended these locations, causing damage by breaking windows, lighting fires, and in some cases, both,” said Jennifer McKinnon, Insp. Major Crimes Unit with the Winnipeg Police Service.

While unable to speak to the motive publicly, police say it is known. Insp. Jennifer McKinnon says the arrest is a result of extensive collaboration between several police units and the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service.

“Coming to a conclusion, I think, is exciting and also I think a relief,” said McKinnon.

The string of alleged crimes took place between June 11 and Nov. 18 and includes damage at the offices of Minister of Families Nahanni Fontaine and Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Bernadette Smith, alongside Johnny G’s on McDermott Avenue, La Roca on Smith Street, and a fire at Boujee Restaurant and Bar that has left it shuttered.

“We were just thinking all the time: ‘Why us? Why us?” asked Boujee owner Kanish Sood.

Sood says the fire was devastating, and the arrest does bring some comfort. 

“I feel happy that at least they caught the person so that other businesses don’t have to suffer,” said Sood.

Additional locations that were damaged are as follows:

• 456 Main Street (Commonwealth Kitchen and Bar)
• 100-177 McDermont Avenue (Johnny G’s)
• 111 Princess Street (Exchange Event Centre)
• 436 Main Street (Palomino Club)
• 1577 Wall Street (Winnipeg School Division administration building)
• 155 Smith Street (La Roca)
• 285 Portage Avenue (Tipsy Cow)
• 146 Magnus Avenue (Provincial Treatment Centre)

Mayor Scott Gillingham commended the work by the WPS and the WFPS, saying this type of collaboration will continue and is critical. 

“Politically, administratively, City of Winnipeg staff and our various departments are taking this seriously and through coordinated efforts with members of the public, all of our different departments, we’re working to make Winnipeg safer,” said Gillingham.

While McKinnon stressed this string of damage-related crimes is not related to investigations examining alleged extortion in the city, she delivered a general message to those perpetrating arson.

“We’re not going to give up. It may be challenging. It may take some time to do this, but we don’t give up,” said McKinnon.