News briefs for Monday, March 9, 2026

Man charged with arson after fire in West End suite

2:23 PM

City police have arrested and charged a man in connection to a suspected arson inside a multi-suite residence in the West End on Sunday.

First responders were called to the blaze on the 600 block of Furby Street shortly after 10 p.m., where members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service had already evacuated the occupants and brought the fire under control, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Monday.

Investigators allege a resident set fire to his suite for unknown reasons, filling the building with smoke. The 35-year-old man was taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.

After he was medically cleared, police arrested him and brought him to WPS headquarters to be processed. The suspect is charged with arson with disregard for human life.

No charges against police after driver gets hypothermia inside crashed car

1:38 PM

Manitoba’s police watchdog won’t recommend charges after a driver who crashed his car evading police suffered hypothermia as crews worked to remove him from his crumpled vehicle.

A car sped past a Winnipeg Police Service cruiser on Feb. 17, 2025 shortly before 11:30 p.m., police told the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba. Officers tried to pull over the car near Henderson Highway and Johnson Avenue, but it continued to speed away, police said.

Officers followed from a distance but lost sight of the vehicle. The police helicopter spotted the car after it rear-ended another vehicle and crashed into a light standard on the northwest corner of Chief Peguis Trail and Henderson Highway.

A traffic analyst report determined the car was travelling at an average speed of 171 km/h and 114 km/h five seconds before the crash.

The vehicle’s passenger got out and tried to run away but was apprehended, police said. The driver was trapped inside the car and needed to be helped out by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service members. The driver had a broken leg and had suffered hypothermia by the time he was removed from the car.

Both men were sent to hospital.

After viewing officer notes, audio transmissions, video from the police helicopter, traffic light footage, medical reports and civilian video, the IIU determined no charges would be laid against police.

The driver had charges pending as a result of the incident but they have since “been disposed of,” an IIU release said.

Man caught with loaded gun in taxi charged: police

12:58 PM

A man is in custody after police say he was caught with a loaded handgun while getting a ride in a taxicab.

Police pulled over a taxi in the area of Dufferin Avenue and McGregor Street shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday “to address a Highway Traffic Act infraction,” a Monday police news release stated.

Police say the cab’s passenger attempted to flee and was taken into custody. Officers found a loaded, fully automatic Glock 20 Gen 4 handgun with auto sear and learned the man was breaching a firearms and weapons ban.

The 18-year-old man was charged with numerous offences, including possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

He remains in custody.

Man arrested after threatening hotel security guard: police

12:42 PM

A 46-year-old man faces charges after police say he pulled out a knife and threatened to kill a security guard at a downtown Winnipeg hotel.

The man was asked to leave a hotel on the 200 block of Portage Avenue at about 12:25 a.m. Monday morning, police said in a news release.

Police were called and found the suspect several minutes later walking near the intersection of Portage Avenue and Smith Street. Police say officers found a knife on the man and he was arrested and taken into custody.

He faces charges of possession of a weapon and failure to comply with a probation order.

He was released on an undertaking.

Missing man last seen Feb. 27

10:52 AM

Thompson RCMP are searching for a for missing 54-year-old man.

George Fortin was last seen Feb. 27, at a residence on Hemlock Crescent and has not been seen since.

Thompson RCMP received a report on March 3 that Fortin was missing.

George is 5-6, with a husky build, grey hair and grey beard. It is unknown what he was last wearing.

Despite an extensive search, police have not been able to locate him and are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or to leave a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Workplaces required to provide free menstrual products starting in August

9:29 AM

Manitoba is set to become the first province to require employers to provide free menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, to employees in washrooms or other accessible locations, the government announced Monday.

The province said the new requirements will come into effect in early August to give employers time to prepare and purchase supplies.

“These changes are about dignity and fairness at work,” Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said in a news release.

“No one should have to worry about access to basic menstrual products while they are doing their job. Periods are a normal part of life and workplaces should reflect that reality by making sure workers have what they need.”