Winnipeg police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man suspected of a slaying inside a popular city restaurant.

William Edward Moar, 24, was gunned down at Johnny G’s on Main Street last month in a killing justice sources say was tied to ongoing disputes between rival gang members.

Several witnesses who were inside the bar at the time said a man dressed in black entered the bar shortly before 2 a.m. Moar was said to be returning to his table from somewhere else when the man in black fired a shot. The first shot missed and almost hit an employee behind the bar. Another shot struck Moar. Staff rushed to him and weren't sure where he'd been hit. One of the staff removed his hat and it was obvious he'd been shot in the head.

Police announced today they have identified a suspect in the slaying. Morgan Van Bone, 19, is wanted on a charge of first-degree murder. Bone is aboriginal, 5-foot-9, 230 pounds with a heavy build.

Police say Bone is to be considered potentially armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 204-986-6508, 204-986-6222 or CrimeStoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Moar was known to police and known to have gang ties. In 2009, Moar and another man were charged with numerous weapons offences. At the time, Moar was found with a loaded Colt .45 calibre handgun, a .22 calibre rifle, two magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, a pellet rifle, and two pellet handguns.

Police also found two leather vests with gang insignias and other assorted clothing with gang insignias.

Later the same year, Moar was charged with aggravated assault along with four other men for a vicious attack on a 19-year-old man. The victim sustained serious injuries to the upper body and still required medical care three months later.

Moar last appeared in court last summer and was let out on bail for unknown charges.

www.mikeoncrime.com