Erik Pindera

Erik Pindera

Reporter

Erik Pindera reports for the city desk, with a particular focus on crime and justice.

The lifelong Winnipegger managed to snag a few internships at the paper during his journalism studies at Red River College.

Before he rejoined the Free Press fold in 2020 as a web editor, he was a television and radio reporter and before that, a small-town newspaperman.

 

Recent articles by Erik Pindera

Winnipeg’s not a ‘war zone,’ police chief says about troubling crime stats

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Winnipeg’s not a ‘war zone,’ police chief says about troubling crime stats

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Winnipeg’s police chief tried to quell people’s fear, saying the city is not a “war zone,” after the service’s annual report for 2022 showed violent crime was the worst in 13 years.

“I never want to minimize victims of crime, particularly violent crime… One thing that I think is important… we’re doing a report today where we released aggregate data, that makes the whole city seem like it’s a war zone — it isn’t,” said Danny Smyth, about the department’s 2022 annual report.

The report shows drastic increases in overall crime, property and violent offences year over year, while drug, traffic and other offences, such as administrative court breaches, had dropped.

Fifty-three people were slain in Winnipeg in 2022, making it the deadliest year on record. The previous record was 44, in 2019.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Police investigate the scene of a homicide in 2022. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Activist ‘quite angry’ about likely demolition of seized Point Douglas homes

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Activist ‘quite angry’ about likely demolition of seized Point Douglas homes

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

A community activist is criticizing the province’s redevelopment plan for homes seized in Point Douglas, saying the government should rejig the plan so it creates housing for people more deeply in need.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The city is planning to have six seized Point Douglas homes redeveloped by a non-profit group in Winnipeg.

Mount Carmel Clinic new nest for Thunderwing

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Mount Carmel Clinic new nest for Thunderwing

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

Mount Carmel Clinic, with a funding boost from the province’s justice department, will take over a community program meant to co-ordinate resources for families and others at risk in Winnipeg’s inner city.

Manitoba Justice will reallocate $200,000 in funding for the Main Street clinic to administer Thunderwing Project, along with an additional $100,000 to enhance the project to support women who are in contact with the criminal justice system.

The community mobilization project co-ordinates resources across sectors for clients, aimed at improving community safety and family well-being, the government said in a news release Monday.

“Thunderwing is really a program that supports families on a journey — whatever their goals may be,” clinic executive director Bobbette Shoffner said at a news conference.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“Thunderwing is really a program that supports families on a journey — whatever their goals may be,” Mount Carmel Clinic executive director Bobbette Shoffner said at a news conference.

Suspect in Main Street slaying has lengthy criminal history

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Suspect in Main Street slaying has lengthy criminal history

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

A man wanted by Winnipeg police for his alleged role in a Main Street slaying has a lengthy history of violent crime and weapons offences.

Aaron Wayne Azure, 38, was named as a suspect in the May 10 death of Vincent Brian Kipling, 31, last week.

Kipling, who sustained serious injuries after an assault just before 11 p.m., was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Homicide detectives obtained a warrant for Azure, who is wanted for manslaughter in the killing.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

Aaron Wayne Azure (Police / Handout)

Two face charges after magic mushroom store raid

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Two face charges after magic mushroom store raid

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

A Winnipeg police commander has slammed the accused operators of an Osborne Village storefront that openly sold magic mushrooms, alleging customers were being bilked and the psychedelic substances were packaged in “disgusting” conditions.

Police drug investigators arrested a man and woman, both 37 years old, during last Friday’s raid at Magic Mush, the retail storefront they were allegedly operating at Osborne Street and River Avenue that was selling the mushrooms, which contain the chemical compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Both are hallucinogens and restricted under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Magic Mush opened May 13.

Both suspects were inside the business at the time of the raid and were arrested without incident, Winnipeg Police Service organized crime Insp. Elton Hall told reporters Thursday.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Magic Mush in Osborne Village. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Archdiocese sued over alleged sex crimes

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Archdiocese sued over alleged sex crimes

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

A Winnipeg man who alleges he was sexually abused decades ago by two Catholic priests — including one who was convicted of sex crimes in the 1990s — is suing the Archdiocese of St. Boniface and the Red River Valley School Division.

The man, 44, claims the abuse occurred while he was a student around 1990-91 at St. Jean Baptiste Elementary, a now-defunct facility that merged with another school in the community and joined the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine in 1994.

The man, who the Free Press is not naming because of the nature of the allegations, says in the lawsuit the abuse began when he was around 10 or 11, when he was a member of the Catholic Church in St. Jean Baptiste, a francophone community about 75 kilometres south of Winnipeg.

The 15-page lawsuit was filed May 15 in Court of King’s Bench by Winnipeg-based lawyers Faron Trippier and Irina Vakurova.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Manitoba lawsuit contains some of the latest allegations in the decades-long scandal over the abuse of children at the hands of priests, nuns and other religious figures within the Catholic Church and subsequent coverups.

Fire smouldering at Brady dump

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Fire smouldering at Brady dump

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Crews have left a fire at the Brady landfill to smoulder, warning the public that smoke will continue to be an issue until landfill workers can smother the fire completely.

Firefighters were sent to the Brady Road landfill at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday, where three large compost piles — about 90 metres long, 12 metres wide and four metres high — were burning.

The fire service said such fires involving deep piles of organic material can burn for long periods and are typically dealt with by landfill staff members, who smother the smouldering embers with soil.

“However, with high winds last evening, the fire was generating a large volume of smoke, which was blowing towards the city,” the WFPS said in a news release Wednesday morning.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Firefighters were sent to the Brady Road landfill Tuesday, where three large compost piles were burning.

First Nation files suit against Hydro over river diversion

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

First Nation files suit against Hydro over river diversion

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

A northern First Nation is suing Manitoba Hydro, seeking a court injunction to restrain the Crown corporation’s Churchill River diversion.

The lawsuit filed in the Court of King’s Bench last week by O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, the non-profit Community Association of South Indian Lake and the South Indian Lake Fisherman’s Association is the latest move in a long battle over the diversion and the impact the hydroelectric operation has had on Southern Indian Lake and its river system in the North.

The new action — filed on the plaintiffs’ behalf by Vancouver-based lawyers Bruce McIvor and Melissa Rumbles — seeks interim and permanent injunctions restraining Hydro from operating the diversion in a way that interferes with the plaintiff’s use of the land, including exercising treaty rights.

The First Nation and associations also want the court to order Hydro to restore the ecological integrity of the lake, as well as grant legal costs and other relief.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation is suing Manitoba Hydro, seeking a court injunction to restrain the Crown corporation’s Churchill River diversion.

Human remains wash up on beach near Matlock

Erik Pindera 1 minute read Preview

Human remains wash up on beach near Matlock

Erik Pindera 1 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Selkirk RCMP are investigating after human remains were found on the shore of Lake Winnipeg near Matlock Beach Saturday.

Officers were called to the beach at about 11:45 a.m.

Manitoba RCMP spokesman Paul Manaigre said he was unsure of the condition of the body, which washed up on the shore, prompting the call to Mounties.

The identity of the remains is unknown at this point.

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Matlock is located about 70 km north of Winnipeg.

Accused killer’s car damaged, bullets found in bag: Mountie tells court

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Accused killer’s car damaged, bullets found in bag: Mountie tells court

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, May. 19, 2023

The trial of a man accused of slaying his neighbour on a rural Manitoba property before fleeing to Ontario nearly two years ago continued Friday, as jurors heard from a Mountie who seized the alleged killer’s car.

Eric Wildman, 36, dressed in a grey suit Friday, sat between two sheriffs next to his lawyers in the Court of King’s Bench, at times appearing to grin.

He’s charged with first-degree murder in the June 7, 2021, shooting death of Clifford Joseph, 40.

Wildman and Joseph lived on neighbouring properties outside of Stead, a small community northeast of Winnipeg.

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Friday, May. 19, 2023

CALDER SIDLEY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Prince Edward County Ontario Provincial Police apprehended Eric Wildman after a standoff and negotiations in June 2021.

Two men charged with killing 41-year-old man

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Two men charged with killing 41-year-old man

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

Winnipeg police have arrested two men in the slaying of a 41-year-old father in Point Douglas this month.

Kevin James Wescoupe died in hospital after being stabbed by two men at about 1:15 a.m. May 2.

He and a friend were attacked by two strangers behind a home on the 100 block of Austin Street North.

The other victim stabilized after medical treatment.

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Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES

Kevin James Wescoupe died in hospital after being attacked by two strangers behind a home on the 100 block of Austin Street North.

Police identify slaying victim whose remains found along Red

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Police identify slaying victim whose remains found along Red

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

A 40-year-old “devoted” mother who had been gripped by drug addiction was publicly identified Wednesday as the homicide victim whose dismembered remains were found discarded next to the Red River last month.

No one has been arrested in the death of June Christine Johnson, who is one of several vulnerable women to be killed in the city in the last 12 months.

Johnson’s partial remains were found in a wooded area of riverbank near Curtis Street and Higgins Avenue in South Point Douglas on April 15.

“Prior to her addiction, June was a loving, devoted mom who loved her children deeply,” her family said in a statement read by Sgt. Wade McDonald of the Winnipeg Police Service homicide unit. “She loved hard, and family was of great importance to her.”

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Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

June Christine Johnson (Police / Handout)

City man charged with printing 3D guns back in custody

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

City man charged with printing 3D guns back in custody

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

A Manitoba judge has revoked bail for a man accused of making and trafficking 3D-printed guns.

Jackson Prince, 18, was charged with multiple offences, including two counts of weapons trafficking, after a lengthy Winnipeg police investigation that culminated in a search at a Boyd Avenue apartment on March 31.

Police seized 3D-printed handgun receivers, a 3D-printed AR-15-style rifle that looked like a Nerf toy gun, various firearms parts, illicit drugs and a 3D printer.

Provincial court Judge Brian Corrin had granted Prince bail, despite the Crown’s objection, during a lengthy hearing on May 5. Crown attorney Vanessa Gama outlined the “strong” police case against him, and read highlights of more than 7,500 text messages reportedly exchanged between Prince and another man who allegedly sold the illegal guns as part of their partnership.

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Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / FREE PRESS FILES

Police seized 3D-printed handgun receivers, a 3D-printed AR-15-style rifle that looked like a Nerf toy gun, various firearms parts, illicit drugs and a 3D printer.

PPC leader Bernier admits violating Manitoba COVID-19 public health orders

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

PPC leader Bernier admits violating Manitoba COVID-19 public health orders

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

The leader of the People’s Party of Canada has been ordered by a Manitoba provincial court judge to pay more than $2,000 in fines, after he admitted to twice violating COVID-19 public health orders.

Maxime Bernier, 60, was charged June 11, 2021, after attending rural Manitoba rallies as part of his “Mad Max” tour in the run-up to the federal election, at a time in the pandemic when all public gatherings were banned.

The veteran Quebec politician, who held the Beauce riding for the Conservatives from 2006 to 2018 before leaving the Tories and founding the PPC, was given four tickets for his actions that day.

Two were for failing to self-isolate upon entrance to Manitoba (which were stayed by the Crown two weeks ago, as there wasn’t a reasonable likelihood of conviction). At the time, people who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 needed to isolate upon arrival to the province, per the orders.

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Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

Maxime Bernier told reporters he accepts the fine and is ready to pay. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

City sued by insurance firm over oozing cement

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

City sued by insurance firm over oozing cement

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

An insurance firm is suing the City of Winnipeg on behalf of Semple Avenue homeowners whose pipes were destroyed by a murky mixture of cement after a city contractor made a mistake nearly two years ago.

The two lawsuits, filed in Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench on May 10, seek damages related to the 2021 incident that stemmed from work on the sewage system near the affected homes.

The lawsuits, filed by Wawanesa Insurance, allege the city was negligent in its approach to the sewer work on Semple Avenue between Scotia and McKenzie streets.

At least 12 homes were affected, though some had disruptions to the sewage system, while others had the cement mixture backup through drains, toilets and bathtubs.

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Tuesday, May. 16, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

At least 12 homes were affected, though some had disruptions to the sewage system, while others had the cement mixture backup through drains, toilets and bathtubs.

Drunk driver, mother who lied to police plead guilty in fatal crash that killed 24-year-old woman

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Drunk driver, mother who lied to police plead guilty in fatal crash that killed 24-year-old woman

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Monday, May. 15, 2023

The morning after Mother’s Day, a grieving mom was in a Winnipeg courtroom to hear a drunk driver accept responsibility for ending her 24-year-old daughter’s life last spring.

“There is no justice,” Karen Reimer said outside the Law Courts Building Monday, alongside her other three daughters and their father, Doug.

“But we do want accountability.”

Dozens of family members, friends and supporters who’d packed the courtroom — most wore purple T-shirts with Jordyn Reimer’s face printed on them — stood nearby.

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Monday, May. 15, 2023

Family members of Jordyn Reimer outside the Law Courts building Monday, from left: Karen, Alex, Doug, Andi and Nikki Reimer. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Police seek suspects in after-school child luring incidents

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Police seek suspects in after-school child luring incidents

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Saturday, May. 13, 2023

Winnipeg police child abuse investigators are searching for suspects who tried to lure school kids in a pair of events Thursday afternoon.

Police were called about the first incident at Wayoata Elementary School at about 3:45 p.m.

Officers were told a man, around age 30, approached two children, ages nine and 11, respectively, and tried to pull them toward him, police said Friday.

Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Claude Chancy said the children called for help and broke away from the man, and the suspect fled on foot on Wayoata Street, toward Kildare Avenue East.

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Saturday, May. 13, 2023

Winnipeg police child abuse investigators are searching for suspects who tried to lure school kids in a pair of events Thursday afternoon. (The Canadian Press files / John Woods)

Trio arrested after teen attacked with bat

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Trio arrested after teen attacked with bat

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

Three teens have been arrested after a teen boy was beaten with a baseball bat in a May 7 robbery outside an East Kildonan home.

Winnipeg police said the teen was attacked outside his house near McLeod Avenue and Louelda Street at about 1:30 a.m.

Officers found the boy on the ground with serious injuries. He was hospitalized in unstable condition. The teen has since stabilized and is expected to recover.

Witnesses told police the boy was assaulted on the ground by a group of people before the assailants ran away.

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Friday, May. 12, 2023

Winnipeg police child abuse investigators are searching for suspects who tried to lure school kids in a pair of events Thursday afternoon. (The Canadian Press files / John Woods)

Man, 31, city’s 13th homicide victim

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Man, 31, city’s 13th homicide victim

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A 31-year-old man has been identified as Winnipeg’s 13th homicide victim of the year.

Vincent Brian Kipling died in hospital after being found seriously injured at Main Street and Stella Avenue around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

“It does appear that some passersby identified that a (man) was down in that area of Stella Avenue and Main Street,” said Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen.

Officers arrived and found Kipling suffering from significant injuries. They began emergency CPR, the spokesman said.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A 31-year-old man has been identified as Winnipeg’s 13th homicide victim of the year.

Vincent Brian Kipling died in hospital after being found seriously injured at Main Street and Stella Avenue around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

“It does appear that some passersby identified that a (man) was down in that area of Stella Avenue and Main Street,” said Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen.

Officers arrived and found Kipling suffering from significant injuries. They began emergency CPR, the spokesman said.

‘I thought I was going to die,’ says woman mauled by stray dogs on First Nation

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

‘I thought I was going to die,’ says woman mauled by stray dogs on First Nation

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

Annabelle McKay expected the worst as the dogs set upon her in the dark and she fell to the ditch filled with water.

“They ripped my clothes right off from me. I don’t know how I managed — I don’t know how I’m still alive today,” the 52-year-old Fisher River Cree Nation woman said.

The mother of three was mauled by dogs — two or three, she said — shortly after midnight on Sunday on the northern edge of Peguis First Nation.

She spoke to the Free Press from her hospital bed at Health Sciences Centre Thursday, where she was under observation after being airlifted with serious injuries from the Interlake Indigenous community about 180 kilometres north of Winnipeg on Sunday.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

SUPPLIED

Annabelle McKay was mauled by two or three dogs shortly after midnight on Sunday on the northern edge of Peguis First Nation.

Speed limit cut on Highway 59 in Brokenhead First Nation

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Speed limit cut on Highway 59 in Brokenhead First Nation

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

The Manitoba government says the speed limit has been reduced on the stretch of Highway 59 that runs through Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, after an elderly pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run last month.

A government spokesperson said Wednesday that Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure had lowered the limit to 50 km/h from 80 km/h, in the community, which is about 35 kilometres northeast of Selkirk, and is on the way to Lake Winnipeg cottage country.

The spokesperson said department staff was installing new speed limit signs on Wednesday.

The First Nation’s leaders had called on the government to improve safety on the highway the day after the April 20 collision that killed a 75-year-old man, who was walking to work.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky said at the time he wanted the province to reduce the speed limit, improve lighting and add safe pedestrian crossings on the highway stretch.

Manitoba Justice launches review into inmates’ escape in The Pas

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba Justice launches review into inmates’ escape in The Pas

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 10, 2023

Manitoba Justice would not explain Wednesday how three inmates, including an accused killer, escaped from the jail in The Pas Monday, but confirmed a review will be launched into the episode that had the town’s residents fearing for their safety.

“A divisional review will be launched to look at all of the factors that contributed to this incident, to help determine how it occurred and what can be done to prevent a similar situation in the future,” wrote a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice.

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Wednesday, May. 10, 2023

The Pas Correctional Centre. (Google Street View)

Escaped inmate arrested; one still at large in The Pas

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Escaped inmate arrested; one still at large in The Pas

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

The Pas has been on edge as RCMP officers flood the area in a search for a group of inmates who escaped Monday evening from the town’s provincial jail.

Two of the three missing prisoners have been located and arrested, RCMP spokesman Sgt. Paul Manaigre said Tuesday.

Kelly John Castel, 21, was still at large, as of Tuesday afternoon. He is “considered dangerous and a risk to the public,” police said.

Castel is pending on charges of robbery, carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, court records show, as well as charges related to the jail break.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

Kelly Castel, 21. (Handout)

Man accused of printing 3D guns granted bail

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Man accused of printing 3D guns granted bail

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

A Winnipeg man accused of manufacturing and selling 3D-printed guns as part of an alleged criminal partnership has been granted bail.

Jackson Prince, 18, was charged with multiple offences, including two counts of weapons trafficking, after a lengthy Winnipeg police investigation that culminated March 31 with a search warrant on a Boyd Avenue apartment.

Police seized 3D-printed handgun receivers, a 3D-printed AR-15-style rifle that looked like a Nerf toy gun, various firearms parts, illicit drugs and a 3D printer.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Jackson Prince, 18, was charged with multiple offences, including two counts of weapons trafficking, after a lengthy Winnipeg police investigation that culminated March 31 with a search warrant on a Boyd Avenue apartment.

Teen stabbed over cigarette, dad says

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Teen stabbed over cigarette, dad says

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, May. 5, 2023

A 15-year-old boy was stabbed after he asked a group of youngsters hanging around in a schoolyard for a cigarette, his father says.

“He was going for a walk through the park there, and he asked somebody for a cigarette… He talked to them for a couple seconds, then boom, he got stabbed,” the dad said.

Police were sent to the incident at Isaac Brock School at 1265 Barratt Ave. just after 11 p.m. Thursday after the boy ran to a nearby home following the confrontation with the four teens.

The resident called 911 and the suspects fled, police said.

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Friday, May. 5, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A 15-year-old boy was stabbed after he asked a group of youngsters hanging around Isaac Brock School for a cigarette.

Man charged with murder in burning-body slaying accused in recent stabbings

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Man charged with murder in burning-body slaying accused in recent stabbings

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, May. 5, 2023

A man who was charged with second-degree murder Wednesday after a burning body was found in a Point Douglas warehouse parking lot last week is also suspected in two separate stabbings.

Emergency crews were sent to the gravel parking lot near MacDonald Avenue and Gomez Street at about 1 a.m. on April 27, where they found the victim’s body on fire.

The lot is connected to a Gomez Street warehouse that backs onto the bank of the Red River. Police initially classified the death as suspicious, but homicide detectives were handling the case.

Police announced Friday morning that the death was a homicide and that the victim was a man.

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Friday, May. 5, 2023

A man who was charged with second-degree murder Wednesday after a burning body was found in a Point Douglas warehouse parking lot last week is also suspected in two separate stabbings.

Police warn of brand-marked, toy-style 3D-printed guns

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police warn of brand-marked, toy-style 3D-printed guns

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, May. 4, 2023

The head of the Winnipeg police organized crime division is warning the public to keep an eye out for 3D-printed pistols and rifles with distinct markings, after investigators arrested an alleged manufacturer following a multi-month probe.

Winnipeg Police Service firearms investigators began looking into the man accused of making and selling 3D-printed guns from his home in January, after a tip from the Canada Border Services Agency.

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Thursday, May. 4, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Insp. Elton Hall behind a display of 3D-printed gun receivers and parts seized by Winnipeg police from an alleged manufacturer on March 31.

Fatal stabbing city’s 11th homicide of year

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Fatal stabbing city’s 11th homicide of year

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

One man is dead and another in hospital after a stabbing attack in North Point Douglas early Tuesday.

Winnipeg Police Service patrol officers were called to the 100 block of Austin Street North, between Sutherland and Jarvis avenues, at about 1:15 a.m. for a reported “stabbing incident,” police said Wednesday.

They found two men suffering from stab wounds. Both were transported to hospital: one in critical condition; the other, a 38-year-old, in unstable condition later upgraded to stable.

Kevin James Wescoupe, 41, died in hospital, police said.

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

One man is dead and another in hospital after a stabbing attack in on the 100 block of Austin Street North, between Sutherland and Jarvis avenues.

No structural damage for Portage Avenue train bridge

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

No structural damage for Portage Avenue train bridge

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

Canadian Pacific has inspected a train bridge that was struck by a construction crane Tuesday afternoon, snarling Portage Avenue traffic for hours.

“(Company) bridge inspectors determined the bridge did not sustain structural damage,” railway spokeswoman Salem Woodrow said Wednesday in a brief statement.

Winnipeg Police Service traffic division officers are investigating the incident, which occurred at about 3 p.m.

Police said a semi-truck transporting the crane collided with the bridge, which crosses Portage Avenue near Empress Street.

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

A semi-truck transporting the crane collided with the overpass, which crosses Portage Avenue near Empress Street, Tuesday afternoon. (Winnipeg Police Service)

CRA workers remain on picket lines

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

CRA workers remain on picket lines

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

Canada Revenue Agency workers in Winnipeg are still walking picket lines, as talks between their union and Ottawa continue.

The continued strike by about 35,000 members of the Union of Taxation Employees nationwide comes after its parent union, Public Service Alliance of Canada, reached deals with the Treasury Board early Monday for more than 120,000 other public servants, ending a 12-day strike.

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Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada picket outside the Canada Revenue Agency at 66 Stapon Road Tuesday.

Accused in random assaults had been released days earlier

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Accused in random assaults had been released days earlier

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

A man accused of two random, unprovoked assaults on Princess Street in late March had been released from custody 10 days prior, after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer.

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

A man accused of two random, unprovoked assaults on Princess Street in late March had been released from custody 10 days prior, after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer.

Police scold private eye over Facebook posts relating to homicide investigation

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police scold private eye over Facebook posts relating to homicide investigation

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

A private investigator has drawn a rebuke from Winnipeg’s police chief over social media posts about the discovery of a woman’s partial remains in South Point Douglas last month.

Police are concerned the Facebook posts by Janie Duncan, which contained drawings of two people and details not verified by officers, could taint the homicide investigation.

Some of the posts were shared in groups which had more than 10,000 or 20,000 members.

“The private investigator… she’s been in the community a long time. I don’t always agree with the way she conducts her business,” Chief Danny Smyth told reporters at an unrelated event Monday.

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Body parts belonging to a woman were found in a wooded area next to the Red River on April 15.

Province beefing up monitoring for high-risk suspects on bail, criminals serving community sentences

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Province beefing up monitoring for high-risk suspects on bail, criminals serving community sentences

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

The province has announced measures intended to keep a closer watch on suspects who are on bail or convicted criminals who are serving sentences in the community.

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said Monday the Manitoba government is working on a new electronic monitoring program for offenders who are deemed high-risk to public safety.

Devastated parents look for answers a year after their daughter died in collision

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Preview

Devastated parents look for answers a year after their daughter died in collision

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

The Reimers don’t use the words anniversary or accident.

Accident implies no fault, they say, and anniversary is used to denote happy moments, not the day their misery and grief began.

Karen and Doug Reimer have had 365 of those days since the date of their daughter’s untimely death, when she was acting as a designated driver during a weekend trip to see family and friends in Winnipeg from her new home in Brandon.

A truck hit Jordyn Reimer’s vehicle in a residential area at Kildare Avenue West and Bond Street at about 2:20 a.m. May 1, 2022, not far from where she grew up. She died soon after.

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Karen and Doug Reimer, parents of Jordyn, spread out photographs of their late daughter that they had made into poster boards for her memorial.

Body found in parking lot ‘unrecognizable as human remains’

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Body found in parking lot ‘unrecognizable as human remains’

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

Looking over a Point Douglas parking lot early Thursday, the manager of a nearby business saw “a pile of char, charred ashes.”

It turned out to be the burned body of a person the Winnipeg Police Service has yet to identity.

“I couldn’t, at that point in time, tell that it was a body — from where I was it wasn’t unrecognizable as human remains,” the manager said Friday. He requested the Free Press withhold his name and that of the firm’s to protect their business interests.

It was around 2 a.m., when the man got a phone call from WPS detectives, requesting access to his building in an industrial area of the inner-city neighbourhood, off Higgins Avenue, to obtain surveillance tape.

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Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Police Service patrol officers discovered a burning body in a Point Douglas warehouse parking lot overnight Thursday.

Year-long sentence for firebombing immigrants in Blumenort

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Year-long sentence for firebombing immigrants in Blumenort

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

Kazar Weitzel lobbed a Molotov cocktail at a home in Blumenort as its residents, a newcomer family from Africa, slept soundly inside.

As the home caught fire, they woke up in fear and managed to scramble to safety. The attack was so traumatizing, they packed up and left, afraid they would be targeted again.

For that May 31, 2020, crime, which Weitzel said was a case of mistaken identity, the 23-year-old has been handed a year-long jail sentence.

Weitzel, who had pleaded guilty to arson with disregard for human life, was sentenced last week after a hearing in December.

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Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

Kazar Weitzel lobbed a Molotov cocktail at a home in Blumenort as its residents, a newcomer family from Africa, slept soundly inside.

As the home caught fire, they woke up in fear and managed to scramble to safety. The attack was so traumatizing, they packed up and left, afraid they would be targeted again.

For that May 31, 2020, crime, which Weitzel said was a case of mistaken identity, the 23-year-old has been handed a year-long jail sentence.

Weitzel, who had pleaded guilty to arson with disregard for human life, was sentenced last week after a hearing in December.

Police find burning body in Point Douglas parking lot

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Police find burning body in Point Douglas parking lot

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

Police are trying to make sense of the shocking discovery of a burning body in a Point Douglas warehouse parking lot overnight Thursday.

Winnipeg Police Service patrol officers responding to a call reporting the fire near MacDonald Avenue and Gomez Street arrived at the gruesome scene at about 1 a.m.

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Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Police Service patrol officers discovered a burning body in a Point Douglas warehouse parking lot overnight Thursday.

Accused in lengthy police chase involved in 2008 fatal crash

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Accused in lengthy police chase involved in 2008 fatal crash

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

The Winnipeg man accused of leading city police and Mounties on a recent lengthy stolen-car chase was involved in two prominent stolen-vehicle collisions as a youth — including a high-profile crash that killed a cab driver in 2008.

The 31-year-old was arrested at about 1 a.m. Monday, after he allegedly led police officers from the North End to downtown to a ditch in Portage la Prairie in a stolen Chevrolet Silverado, in a pursuit that lasted more than an hour.

At least two officers suffered minor injuries when their vehicle was rammed near Fort Street and Broadway, the Winnipeg Police Service said Tuesday.

The man has been charged with 13 criminal offences, none of which have been proven in court.

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Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

SUPPLIED

A 31-year-old was arrested Monday, after he allegedly led police officers from the North End to downtown to a ditch in Portage la Prairie in a stolen Chevrolet Silverado, in a pursuit that lasted more than an hour.

Driver of stolen truck leads police on mayhem-filled chase from North End to Portage la Prairie

Erik Pindera and Tyler Searle 5 minute read Preview

Driver of stolen truck leads police on mayhem-filled chase from North End to Portage la Prairie

Erik Pindera and Tyler Searle 5 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

A 31-year-old Winnipeg man charged for his alleged role in a wild stolen-vehicle pursuit that began in the North End and ended in a ditch in Portage la Prairie was the driver in a 2009 high-speed collision that killed a father of one.

At about 11:40 p.m. Sunday, Winnipeg Police Service officers spotted a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 truck that had been reported stolen earlier that day.

A chase of some 90 kilometres began. Videos spread widely online show sparks flying from the damaged truck as its wheels disintegrated to the point it drove on its rims.

 

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Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

The suspect, followed by police, passes by 3rd Street and Saskatchewan Avenue in Portage la Prairie around 12:30 a.m. Monday. (Supplied / Sierra Meeches)

Shootings linked, suspect sought

Gabrielle Piché and Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Shootings linked, suspect sought

Gabrielle Piché and Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

Two shootings in March that left a woman dead and six others injured are related, and one of the suspects is considered armed and dangerous, city police said Tuesday.

Homicide investigators are searching for Martin Faruq Luther, an 18-year-old Winnipeg man they suspect was involved in the March 7 shootings.

Police have issued a second-degree murder warrant for Luther’s arrest. He is described as Black, five-feet-11, with a thin build.

Luther is believed to still be in Winnipeg, Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Claude Chancy said. Homicide detectives have not confirmed whether the shootings are gang-related.

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Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

Martin Faruq Luther (Police/Handout)

Judge sends 67-year-old fitness trainer, bodybuilder to prison for sexually exploiting teen

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Judge sends 67-year-old fitness trainer, bodybuilder to prison for sexually exploiting teen

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

A longtime Winnipeg fitness trainer and bodybuilder has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually exploiting a vulnerable teen girl.

Valentine Payne, 67, had previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation and two counts of disobeying a court order.

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Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

Valentine Payne, a longtime Winnipeg fitness trainer and bodybuilder, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually exploiting a vulnerable teen girl. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Princess Street assault becomes homicide case

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Princess Street assault becomes homicide case

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

Homicide detectives are investigating after a man died nearly two weeks after being assaulted in the Point Douglas neighbourhood.

On Thursday, the Winnipeg Police Service said officers were called to the 300 block of Princess Street at about 12:30 a.m. April 11, for a report of an injured man.

The officers met with the 25-year-old, before emergency medical personnel transported him to hospital in unstable condition.

Police said they determined Leo Charles Martin-Shea had been assaulted on the east side of Main Street at Stella Avenue between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. April 8.

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Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

WPS spokeswoman Const. Dani McKinnon said the assault did not involve a weapon.

Firefighters find body in rooming house

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Firefighters find body in rooming house

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

Winnipeg police are investigating after a body was found in a Flora Avenue rooming house by firefighters who were putting out a blaze early Thursday.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to the two-storey building at 612 Flora Ave., near McGregor Street, at about 12:45 a.m.

While working on the fire, crews found the victim and called police. Paramedics treated a woman for non-life threatening injuries at the scene.

 

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Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

While working on the fire at at 612 Flora Ave., crews found the victim and called police. Paramedics treated a woman for non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.

Well, the city was already looking forward to a Winnipeg Whiteout, right?

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Well, the city was already looking forward to a Winnipeg Whiteout, right?

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

And, just when we thought it was safe to put away the snow shovels…

Winnipeg residents should expect to see snow begin to accumulate by midday Thursday as two weather systems converge over southern parts of the province, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

Justin Shelley, a meteorologist at the federal agency, said a low-pressure system centred over North Dakota was producing widespread precipitation throughout southern Saskatchewan and portions of southern Manitoba Wednesday afternoon.

The system created heavy wind gusts and high accumulations of snow, resulting in poor travel conditions in southern Saskatchewan, before it was expected to move further into Manitoba before weakening during the evening and overnight.

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Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

The current system will likely cause varied weather conditions in the Winnipeg area — likely a mix of rain and snow starting early Thursday, transitioning to heavy snow in Manitoba’s southeast later in the day.

Ottawa needs to lead on illicit border crossings: Manitoba justice minister

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Ottawa needs to lead on illicit border crossings: Manitoba justice minister

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

Manitoba’s justice minister says he expects the federal government to find solutions to irregular crossings of the U.S. border, one day after American officials detained nine men who had walked into Minnesota.

The group crossed illicitly in a wooded area near Sprague in Manitoba’s southeast. They called 911, as they were suffering from hypothermia, and reached the RCMP.

Mounties then contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

USCBP public affairs official Steven Bansbach said agents and local emergency agencies located the group at about 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, in a flooded bog west of Warroad, Minn.

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Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen told reporters the province has engaged “significantly” with the federal government on the border crossing issue over the past several years.

Restitution ordered in investment scheme

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Restitution ordered in investment scheme

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

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Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

Jack Neufeld (samaritanspurse.ca)

Winnipeg MD names health authority, doctors in lawsuit

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Winnipeg MD names health authority, doctors in lawsuit

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

A Winnipeg doctor has alleged he was fired by the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority after he reported another doctor’s misdiagnosis he claims led to a patient’s death.

In a statement of claim filed in the Court of King’s Bench earlier this month, Dr. Pardeep Bhanot alleged the health authority terminated his contract in August 2017 in retaliation for his report of the critical incident earlier that year.

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Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Law Courts building at 408 York Avenue. 211104 - Thursday, November 04, 2021.

Ross Avenue house demolished after four fires in 10 days

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Ross Avenue house demolished after four fires in 10 days

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

A pile of burnt timbers and rubble were all that was left of a house on Ross Avenue after the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service ordered the structure be knocked down, following four fires in 10 days.

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Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

WFPS assistant chief Scott Wilkinson was unable to say whether any of the Ross Avenue fires were arson.

Widow files suit against three hospitals, WRHA, Shared Health

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Widow files suit against three hospitals, WRHA, Shared Health

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Apr. 17, 2023

The widow of a man suffering from lung cancer who died of sepsis and cardiogenic shock last year is suing three city hospitals and two health agencies, alleging he wasn’t given proper treatment, ultimately leading to his death.

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Monday, Apr. 17, 2023

The says it was believed Darrell Demski’s symptoms could be managed in a low-acuity unit at Concordia. (Free Press files)

Sick time, OT skyrocket for firefighters, paramedics

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Sick time, OT skyrocket for firefighters, paramedics

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Monday, Apr. 17, 2023

More ambulances, paramedics and firefighters are the answer to the staggering amount of overtime and sick days logged by Winnipeg first responders last year, their chief says.

“We are busy literally all the time now at the fire paramedic service,” said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief Christian Schmidt.

New data show the toll exacted on the service by the pandemic, opioid crisis and increased mental health calls.

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Monday, Apr. 17, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Fire paramedic service employees took 13,800.7 sick days in 2022, an increase from 10,482.8 in 2021, data provided by the service show.

Rally remembers Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin, calls for action

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Rally remembers Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin, calls for action

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 15, 2023

The family, loved ones and supporters of an Indigenous woman who was found slain in a rural area in southern Manitoba last summer marched through Winnipeg’s downtown in her memory Saturday evening, calling for justice.

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Saturday, Apr. 15, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“She was a beautiful little lady. She had dreams,” Irene Roussin said of her granddaughter, Mackaylah. “She had her dreams and she had her goals.”

Retailers required to match ID, keep records in province’s crackdown on illegal use of bear spray

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Retailers required to match ID, keep records in province’s crackdown on illegal use of bear spray

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023

Manitoba is moving to more strictly regulate the sale of bear pepper spray, a weapon used frequently on Winnipeg’s streets.

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Thursday, Apr. 13, 2023

JAMES TURNER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Sale of the product, which is carried by hikers and others as protection against bear attacks, is already regulated under the Pesticides and Fertilizers Control Act.

Mum’s the word on Jets whiteout parties

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Mum’s the word on Jets whiteout parties

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

Fans are ready to throw on a jersey, grab the thunder sticks and bolt for downtown now that the Winnipeg Jets have clinched a playoff spot, but nobody in the know is ready to dish on whether whiteout street parties will be held this year.

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Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Maya Dowson, an 18-year-old Jets fan who works downtown, was so giddy Wednesday she had to re-watch highlights of Tuesday’s game to make sure it was real.

Assaults on paramedics alarming: union head

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Assaults on paramedics alarming: union head

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

The melee in the back of an ambulance Easter Sunday that sent a Winnipeg paramedic to hospital is just one example of the worsening violence and threats first responders face daily, says their union.

“I don’t think that there’s a paramedic that works for the WFPS today that hasn’t been assaulted, been nearly assaulted, verbally assaulted or knows somebody who’s been assaulted,” Ryan Woiden, president of Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union Local 911, said Tuesday.

“These are life-altering calls for paramedics. We signed up to help. I can’t say we signed up to put our lives in the position they’re in as often as we do.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Violence has increased “without question” over the longer term, said Ryan Woiden, president of the Manitoba Government Employee’s Union Local 911.

Mild weather, quickly melting snow trigger North Dakota flood fears

Carol Sanders and Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Mild weather, quickly melting snow trigger North Dakota flood fears

Carol Sanders and Erik Pindera 5 minute read Monday, Apr. 10, 2023

Warmer weather and melting snow have prompted a flood warning for the Red River north of Fargo, as Winnipeggers with flood-prone properties stocked up on sandbags Monday.

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Monday, Apr. 10, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Folks load free City of Winnipeg sand bags into their vehicles in preparation for possible spring flooding in Winnipeg on Monday, April 10, 2023. For Carol story. Winnipeg Free Press 2023.

Winnipeg paramedic injured during on-call assault

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Winnipeg paramedic injured during on-call assault

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, Apr. 10, 2023

A city paramedic was taken to hospital after being assaulted on a call Sunday night.

Winnipeg Police Service duty Insp. Mark Hodgson said Monday the incident occurred near Magnus Avenue and McPhillips Street at around 10 p.m.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service spokeswoman Kristin Cuma said the incident occurred during a medical emergency call.

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Monday, Apr. 10, 2023

A city paramedic was taken to hospital after being assaulted on a call Sunday night.

Winnipeg Police Service duty Insp. Mark Hodgson said Monday the incident occurred near Magnus Avenue and McPhillips Street at around 10 p.m.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service spokeswoman Kristin Cuma said the incident occurred during a medical emergency call.

‘We are human, not trash’: memorial protest at Portage and Main

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

‘We are human, not trash’: memorial protest at Portage and Main

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 7, 2023

Hundreds of grief-stricken demonstrators shut down Portage Avenue and Main Street before marching to Winnipeg police headquarters in an emotional protest Friday evening over the death of an Indigenous mother of four this week.

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Friday, Apr. 7, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

From left to right: Kori-Lynn Hardisty (sister of Linda Beardy), Nayea Beardy (niece of Linda Beardy) and Evelyn Beardy (aunt of Linda Beardy) comfort each other during a rally to remember Linda Beardy’s life.

Homeowners sue rental company in wake of destructive house party

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Homeowners sue rental company in wake of destructive house party

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

The owners of a house just outside Winnipeg that was trashed in a raucous youth party in late February have filed a lawsuit against a short-term rental firm.

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Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

The owners of a house just outside Winnipeg that was trashed in a raucous youth party in late February have filed a lawsuit against a short-term rental firm.

Storm brings fresh snow, frustration

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Storm brings fresh snow, frustration

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023

The two Winnipeg post-secondary students figured they were going to be late for afternoon classes Wednesday when they saw the volume of snow that had accumulated on Good Street in front of their apartment building — and on Leo Paul’s new car.

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Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“I thought it would be spring, but it’s not going to be spring anytime soon,” Leo Paul said.

Brady landfill workers in ‘active area’ discover woman’s body

Erik Pindera 8 minute read Preview

Brady landfill workers in ‘active area’ discover woman’s body

Erik Pindera 8 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

The body of a young Winnipeg mother of four was discovered at the Brady Road landfill Monday, 10 months after the remains of another Indigenous woman were found discarded at the city garbage dump.

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Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

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The Winnipeg Police Service said workers at Brady Road Landfill contacted the WPS at about 3 p.m. Monday.

The body was located in an “active landfill cell,” the WPS said. The woman has been identified as 33-year-old Linda Mary Beardy.

Man files lawsuit over fall on Louise Bridge sidewalk

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Man files lawsuit over fall on Louise Bridge sidewalk

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

A man has filed a lawsuit against the City of Winnipeg, seeking damages for significant injuries he says were suffered on the sidewalk of the Louise Bridge.

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Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A man is suing the city after he says he injured his leg when his foot got caught in a hole in an access cover in the sidewalk of the Louise Bridge.

Accused in police chase has record of vehicle theft

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Accused in police chase has record of vehicle theft

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

A woman accused in a police chase of a stolen vehicle March 31 was recently convicted of stealing a taxi cab after brandishing a knife at its driver.

The 36-year-old was arrested Friday night, along with another woman and a teen accused in the incident.

The woman was charged with four counts of assaulting a peace officer, flight while pursued by a peace officer, dangerous driving, and motor vehicle theft, Winnipeg police said Sunday.

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Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

A woman accused in a police chase of a stolen vehicle March 31 was recently convicted of stealing a taxi cab after brandishing a knife at its driver.

The 36-year-old was arrested Friday night, along with another woman and a teen accused in the incident.

The woman was charged with four counts of assaulting a peace officer, flight while pursued by a peace officer, dangerous driving, and motor vehicle theft, Winnipeg police said Sunday.

Retired priest acquitted of indecent assault at Sagkeeng residential school

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Retired priest acquitted of indecent assault at Sagkeeng residential school

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023

A retired Catholic priest has been acquitted of an indecent assault on an Indigenous girl at Fort Alexander Residential School more than 50 years ago — the only case of alleged abuse that resulted from a decade-long probe in which 80 Manitoba Mounties contacted 700 people.

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Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Retired Catholic priest Arthur Masse, right, has been acquitted of an indecent assault on an Indigenous girl at Fort Alexander Residential School more than 50 years ago.

Restaurant owner fined under COVID orders has ticket dismissed

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Restaurant owner fined under COVID orders has ticket dismissed

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023

A Winnipeg restaurant owner fined under COVID-19 pandemic public health orders has had one of the tickets dismissed.

Judicial justice of the peace Weldon Klassen found the numbered company that ran Chaise Corydon, represented by owner Shea Ritchie, not guilty of failing to comply with a public health emergency order in provincial offences court Feb. 16.

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Thursday, Mar. 30, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Chaise Corydon restaurant had been ticketed by Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba inspectors on July 11, 2020, with a listed fine of $2,542.

Niverville man files complaint against RCMP

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Preview

Niverville man files complaint against RCMP

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2023

A Niverville man accused of assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop last spring has filed a formal complaint against the RCMP after a judge said the charge shouldn’t have been laid.

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Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Lyall Hudson, accused of assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop last spring, had his charges stayed with a provincial judge saying in court it should not have been laid in the first place.

Man charged with murder in fatal January apartment fire

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Man charged with murder in fatal January apartment fire

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

Winnipeg police homicide detectives have arrested a man accused in a woman’s death following a fire in a West End apartment in January — the city’s first slaying of the year.

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Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Police were called to an apartment fire at 741 Sargent Ave. on Jan. 3.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation house fire kills 11-year-old boy

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation house fire kills 11-year-old boy

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Mar. 27, 2023

An 11-year-old boy has died in hospital after a weekend fire in a home at Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.

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Monday, Mar. 27, 2023

An 11-year-old boy has died in hospital after a weekend fire in a home at Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.

Judge calls for review of segregation in Manitoba jails

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Judge calls for review of segregation in Manitoba jails

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

A judge has recommended the Manitoba government hire a third party to review the use of segregation in the province’s jails after an inmate died by suicide in Headingley Correctional Institution in 2019.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI / FREE PRESS FILES

Jeffrey Owen Tait was found unresponsive on the floor of a segregation unit at Headingley Correctional Institution on Jan. 29.

Seventh nurse abandons HSC sex assault examination program

Erik Pindera and Danielle Da Silva 5 minute read Preview

Seventh nurse abandons HSC sex assault examination program

Erik Pindera and Danielle Da Silva 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

Manitoba’s largest hospital is turning to doctors and nurse practitioners to perform forensic exams after more than half of its nurses trained to examine sex assault survivors quit this week amid a program overhaul.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Jennifer Cumpsty, Health Sciences Centre’s acute health services executive director.

Training program for people facing employment barriers resurrected with provincial funds

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Training program for people facing employment barriers resurrected with provincial funds

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

A training program that teaches trade skills to people facing employment barriers has received a provincial funding boost, months after it was shuttered.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

BUILD inked a deal with the provincial government for $250,000 in bridge funding, executive director Sean Hogan said.

Fire calls down in 2022 but workload remains high for crews

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Fire calls down in 2022 but workload remains high for crews

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

Winnipeg firefighters were summoned to fewer calls in 2022, but they were still run off their feet as sick days and overtime surged.

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Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

In 2022, there were 2,545 fire calls, down from 2,857 in 2021.

Chief slams school division for hiring ‘police abolitionist’ to review program

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Chief slams school division for hiring ‘police abolitionist’ to review program

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

Winnipeg’s police chief has criticized a city school division for its “curious choice” to hire a researcher who had been highly critical of police to conduct a report into its police-in-schools program.

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Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

In his post, WPS Chief Danny Smyth questioned the decision to contract Fadi Ennab, who he described as someone with “outspoken anti-police views”, to conduct a report for police-in-schools program at Louis Riel School Division.

Police investigate ‘predatory’ sex assault at Law Courts entrance

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police investigate ‘predatory’ sex assault at Law Courts entrance

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

A sexual assault at an entrance to the downtown Law Courts building is raising concerns about safety, with Winnipeg’s police chief confident investigators will make an arrest.

Police said a 20-year-old woman was attacked at about 5:45 a.m. March 17, after she was followed for about one to two blocks to the courthouse’s Kennedy Street entrance between Broadway and York Avenue.

“We do believe the attack is predatory in nature. There’s always a possibility there may be other victims,” spokesman Const. Claude Chancy said Monday.

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Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Police said a 20-year-old woman was attacked at about 5:45 a.m. March 17, after she was followed for about one to two blocks to the entrance of the downtown Law Courts building on Kennedy Street.

Woman charged after needle attack served time for similar 2018 stabbing

Erik Pindera and Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Woman charged after needle attack served time for similar 2018 stabbing

Erik Pindera and Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

A woman who served time for a 2018 hypodermic-syringe stabbing while in the throes of a likely psychotic episode and high on methamphetamine is accused of a similar attack Sunday.

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Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

(David Lipnowski / Canadian Press files)

Province creates new inter-agency missing-persons unit, commits $2.1M

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Province creates new inter-agency missing-persons unit, commits $2.1M

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

The Manitoba government is funding a new, co-ordinated inter-agency unit led by city police to handle missing persons cases.

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Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said the province will spend $2.1 million to dedicate police resources to the new Manitoba Integrated Missing Persons Response.

Trafficker or courier: lawyers seek to make case at sentencing hearing

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Trafficker or courier: lawyers seek to make case at sentencing hearing

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

Crown attorneys sought to convince a Court of King’s Bench judge a man caught on police wiretaps discussing cocaine deals was a mid-level trafficker, with defence lawyers arguing he was a mere courier.

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Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Police Inspector Max Waddell at a February 2021 press conference announcing a major inter-provincial drug network takedown called Project Gold Dust. The 10-month long investigation led police to confiscate 17 kilograms of cocaine, 21lbs of cannabis, $2million in cash, $107,000 in bit-coin, along with several guns.

Four-year sentence for participant in fatal beating of stranger

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Four-year sentence for participant in fatal beating of stranger

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

A 24-year-old who took part in the “unprovoked and senseless” fatal beating of a homeless man in a Sherbrook Street alley more than a year-and-a-half ago will be imprisoned for four years.

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Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

The Law Courts of Manitoba (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press)

Security procedures in spotlight as national lab guard accused of storing, selling drugs on premises

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Security procedures in spotlight as national lab guard accused of storing, selling drugs on premises

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

A 27-year-old security guard at the Winnipeg laboratory complex with the world’s strictest bio-safety security classification stored and sold illicit drugs as part of a large trafficking network while on the job, RCMP allege.

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press Files

Amanda Boulanger, 27, worked as a security guard at the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, a Winnipeg laboratory complex with the world’s strictest bio-safety security classification.

Accused in random stabbings carries court history of assault convictions

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Accused in random stabbings carries court history of assault convictions

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

A man accused of stabbing two people at random downtown last week was arrested in October for allegedly chasing a staff member of a Main Street gathering place, threatening to spray her with a fire extinguisher while in methamphetamine psychosis.

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Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

Mike Sudoma/Winnipeg Free Press

The Dollar Tree store on Portage Avenue was the location of a stabbing on Friday.

Trafficking ring stretched across Canada: RCMP

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Trafficking ring stretched across Canada: RCMP

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

A member of Manitoba Finance’s special investigations unit is among more than 20 people charged in connection with an alleged drug and illegal cigarettes trafficking ring.

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

RCMP HANDOUT

Guns seized during Project Dawgpound.

Three stabbed, another injured in three hours of random downtown violence

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Three stabbed, another injured in three hours of random downtown violence

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

Two men were rushed to hospital Friday after being stabbed — one while shopping at a store on Portage Avenue — in the latest random violence in Winnipeg’s core.

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Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

JOHN WOODS / CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Bail reform summit produces ‘significant advancement’: Goertzen

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Bail reform summit produces ‘significant advancement’: Goertzen

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

The proposed move to put the onus on those accused of repeated violent crimes to prove they should be released on bail, rather than Crown attorneys arguing they should be kept in jail, “strikes the right balance,” Manitoba’s justice minister says.

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Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba justice minister Kelvin Goertzen: “this time, I feel we were listened to.”

Police seize more than $3M in heroin, opium that had been woven into rugs

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police seize more than $3M in heroin, opium that had been woven into rugs

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

Winnipeg police and federal border agents have intercepted an international drug-smuggling scheme, seizing large quantities of opium and heroin from city homes and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from safe-deposit boxes.

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Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

Winnipeg Police Service Insp. Elton Hall speaks to reporters about large heroin and opium smuggling busts that resulted from a joint investigation with the Canada Border Services Agency. (Erik Pindera / Winnipeg Free Press)

Accused in alleged Acadia offences was substitute teacher

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Accused in alleged Acadia offences was substitute teacher

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

A former Winnipeg junior high teacher accused of multiple sex offences against a young student had worked as a substitute for Pembina Trails School Division.

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Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

A former Winnipeg junior high teacher accused of multiple sex offences against a young student had worked as a substitute for Pembina Trails School Division.

Two killed, six injured in three shooting incidents in little more than one day

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Two killed, six injured in three shooting incidents in little more than one day

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

Eight people have been hit by gunfire — two fatally — in three Winnipeg shootings in a span of roughly 29 hours.

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Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg police forensics investigators and other officers work in the lane of Beverley and Toronto streets, between Ellice and St. Matthews avenues, on Tuesday. Two women were found with gunshot wounds at about 6 a.m.; one had died by the time police arrived.

Mounties help injured while breaking up wild, social media-fuelled party outside city

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Mounties help injured while breaking up wild, social media-fuelled party outside city

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

An out-of-control house party in the Rural Municipality of Rosser in late February resulted in multiple injuries and thousands of dollars in damage.

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Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

64061 Prairie Dog Trail in the RM of Rosser, where Headingley RCMP had to break up an out-of-control party, on Monday, March 6, 2023. For Erik story.

Winnipeg Free Press 2023.

Carving out a lifetime of adventure

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Carving out a lifetime of adventure

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Saturday, Mar. 11, 2023

An artist with a big heart full of tall tales, Bob Kussy died in Winnipeg with his family at his side in early January, after 63 years of life around the country and the world.

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Saturday, Mar. 11, 2023

Born in Winnipeg in 1959 and raised in Crescentwood, Bob (right) was the big brother and ringleader to two younger siblings. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Conditional release of accused in multiple assaults draws legal questions, concerns

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Conditional release of accused in multiple assaults draws legal questions, concerns

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Winnipeg police are defending the release of a man accused of assaulting four strangers — knocking one unconscious — in a random daylight attack, arguing law enforcement hands are tied by the restraints of the justice system.

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Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The intersection of Graham Avenue and Fort Street, where city police say four men were assaulted at random Wednesday afternoon.

Be careful with crypto, WPS cyber-fraud investigator warns potential investors

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Be careful with crypto, WPS cyber-fraud investigator warns potential investors

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

Winnipeg police investigators recovered most of the cash one recent cryptocurrency scam victim lost, but warn such frauds are tough to track.

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Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

One recent Winnipeg victim had been duped in a Bitcoin investment scam over three months and reported it last October. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

RCMP await autopsy results after deaths of two 14-year-old girls found outside First Nation home

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

RCMP await autopsy results after deaths of two 14-year-old girls found outside First Nation home

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

Two teen girls were pronounced dead after being found outside a home in St. Theresa Point First Nation in the frigid cold early Wednesday in an “unimaginable” tragedy.

RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Julie Courchaine said officers stationed at the nearby Island Lake detachment rushed to the community after the 14-year-old girls were found outside a home at about 8 a.m.

The girls were taken to the local nursing station, where they were pronounced dead.

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Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

Two teen girls were pronounced dead after being found outside a home in St. Theresa Point First Nation in the frigid cold early Wednesday in an “unimaginable” tragedy.

RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Julie Courchaine said officers stationed at the nearby Island Lake detachment rushed to the community after the 14-year-old girls were found outside a home at about 8 a.m.

The girls were taken to the local nursing station, where they were pronounced dead.

Province announces $12.6M grant program to help seniors buy hearing aids

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Province announces $12.6M grant program to help seniors buy hearing aids

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

The province will soon begin to offer grants to certain older Manitobans with diagnosed hearing loss to offset the costs of hearing aids.

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Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Scott Johnston, Provincial Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care, announced the province will offer $12.6 million in grants to certain older Manitobans with diagnosed hearing loss.

Traffic control at St. James Street Costco on public works committee agenda

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Traffic control at St. James Street Costco on public works committee agenda

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

The city’s public service could be asked to study whether a traffic light or other control measure should be installed at the entrance to Costco’s St. James Street location.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The city’s public service could be asked to study whether a traffic light or other control measure should be installed at the entrance to Costco’s St. James Street location.

Youth firearm arrest raises concerns

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Youth firearm arrest raises concerns

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

The West End arrest this week of a pre-teen accused of possessing a loaded, sawed-off shotgun is “critical, it’s a crisis,” one community activist says.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Claude Chancy said police believe the weapon had been fired prior to the officers’ arrival.

West end hopes Transit signs make area more inviting

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

West end hopes Transit signs make area more inviting

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

THE West End Business Improvement Zone is seeking to encourage visitors to the neighbourhood to use public transit, with new digital signs of bus schedules installed at three area locations.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Executive director Joe Kornelson said it is part of the business association’s work to make the neighbourhood more inviting and its economy more resilient.

Bear spray sales records rarely accessed: police

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Bear spray sales records rarely accessed: police

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

Law enforcement in Manitoba do not regularly request access to retail records of bear spray sales, police authorities say.

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

JAMES TURNER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Law enforcement in Manitoba do not regularly request access to retail records of bear spray sales, police authorities say.

Downtown hotel listed for sale; residents get eviction notices

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Downtown hotel listed for sale; residents get eviction notices

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

The Windsor Hotel has been listed for sale.

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A tenant and patrons of the Windsor Hotel and bar said it had been sold and that the long-term tenants of the Garry Street building had been given eviction notices.

Bear spray controls pushed into crime spotlight

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Bear spray controls pushed into crime spotlight

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

Sel Burrows still has the can of bear spray he bought in 2007, ahead of provincial legislation that came into effect in 2009 to strictly regulate the sale of the wild animal deterrent now often used in assaults on Winnipeg streets.

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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Rick Shone, owner of Wilderness Supply, poses for a photo in his store in Winnipeg on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. Several of his employees were bear sprayed over the weekend. For Kevin Rollason story. Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

Foundation launches campaign alerting public to human-trafficking signs

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Foundation launches campaign alerting public to human-trafficking signs

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

New clothes, jewelry and other unaffordable gifts. Two cell phones. New friends, frequent sleepovers, unexplained injuries. A sudden change in attitude about school and other activities. Falling grades.

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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

SUPPLIED

The Joy Smith Foundation campaign, dubbed “see the trafficking signs,” is meant to educate the public on the signs of potential grooming and luring for sex trafficking.

Louis Riel Day celebrates history of Manitoba, Métis

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Louis Riel Day celebrates history of Manitoba, Métis

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

Meghan McLeod does beadwork to connect with an ancestry she did not always know about.

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Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Some flowers were left at the grave of Louis Riel on Louis Riel Day at Saint Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Monday.

Police seek suspects in Sunday bear spray assaults

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Police seek suspects in Sunday bear spray assaults

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

Winnipeg police have confirmed multiple victims were injured in a spree of assaults with bear spray linked to a pair of suspects early Sunday.

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Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

Winnipeg police have confirmed multiple victims were injured in a spree of assaults with bear spray linked to a pair of suspects early Sunday. (The Canadian Press files /John Woods)

String of bear spray incidents ‘may be related’: police

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

String of bear spray incidents ‘may be related’: police

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023

Winnipeg police are investigating a string of violent incidents involving bear spray in the city’s West End and downtown that may have been related.

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Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023

MIKE APORIUS/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS University of Winnipeg - McFeetors Hall - Nick Martin story February 12/2009

Unannounced police drill leads to St. B school lockdown

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Unannounced police drill leads to St. B school lockdown

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

Winnipeg police are apologizing for a “communication breakdown,” after an armed training exercise near a St. Boniface elementary school caused alarm and resulted in a facility lockdown.

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Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES / JOHN WOODS

Winnipeg police are apologizing for a “communication breakdown,” after an armed training exercise near a St. Boniface elementary school caused alarm and resulted in a facility lockdown.

New urology centre to open next year

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

New urology centre to open next year

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

A new urology centre, slated to open next March in the former women’s hospital on the HSC campus, got a $1-million boost Friday.

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Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Manon Pelletier, of the Health Sciences Centre, at a funding announcement for the new Manitoba Urologic Centre on Friday.

Justice ministers meeting on bail reform scheduled for March

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Justice ministers meeting on bail reform scheduled for March

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

A meeting on potential bail reform called for by provincial and territorial ministers will happen next month, the office of the federal justice minister says.

Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen and Saskatchewan counterpart Bronwyn Eyre had issued a joint letter Thursday morning to federal Justice Minister David Lametti, asking Ottawa to convene a summit as soon as possible.

Goertzen said he is seeking changes to the Criminal Code to prevent people from being violently victimized by accused offenders out on bail, by subjecting certain accused to more stringent bail considerations.

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Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

“The minister is looking at the suggestions provided by premiers closely, including the possibility of establishing a reverse onus for additional offences,” federal Justice Minister David Lametti’s spokeswoman said in an email Thursday.

Co-accused in recent homicides has past robbery, theft convictions

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Co-accused in recent homicides has past robbery, theft convictions

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

One of the Winnipeg men arrested in a linked pair of recent slayings in the inner city was drawn back into crime following his mother’s 2019 cancer death, court has heard.

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Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Carl George Wescoupe was found dead inside a suite at the Manwin Hotel on Main Street. His body was discovered after a man in his 30s showed up at a city hospital with a serious injuries.

Kenora man arrested in bus stop machete attack

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Kenora man arrested in bus stop machete attack

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

A man who was randomly attacked with a machete after getting off a bus in St. James last week nearly had his leg severed at the knee and might have to have it amputated, the Free Press has learned.

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Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

A bus passenger was attacked with a machete by another rider around the intersection of Ness Avenue and Mount Royal Road last week. (Gabrielle Piché / Winnipeg Free Press)

Man had turned life around when he was viciously attacked by strangers on Main Street

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Man had turned life around when he was viciously attacked by strangers on Main Street

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

The daughter of the victim of a recent brutal mugging on Main Street says her father has forgiven his attackers, but she hasn’t.

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Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

A man was badly injured after an assault at a bus stop near Notre Dame and Arlington. (Erik Pindera / Winnipeg Free Press)

Man charged after girl attacked by dogs in Thompson

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Man charged after girl attacked by dogs in Thompson

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

RCMP have charged a 31-year-old man after a nine-year-old girl was attacked by three large dogs in Thompson.

Mounties were called to Baffin Crescent in the northern city for a report of dogs chasing children around the street shortly after 5 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Officers couldn’t find the dogs but spoke with residents who said a child had been taken to hospital with “significant injuries,” RCMP said Tuesday morning.

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Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

RCMP have charged a 31-year-old man after a nine-year-old girl was attacked by three large dogs in Thompson. (The Canadian Press files / Darryl Dyck)

Racist joke sparked Indigenous inmate’s death: Ahmo lawsuit

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Racist joke sparked Indigenous inmate’s death: Ahmo lawsuit

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

William Walter Ahmo was alone in a common area in the Headingley jail when correctional officers pepper sprayed him before a team in riot gear “swarmed and pinned him,” beating the man with batons until he was unconscious, a lawsuit alleges.

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Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

WAYNE GLOWACKI / FREE PRESS FILES

The Headingley Correctional Centre. This is for Judge Ray Wyant’s story on his tour of the of jail… the first time he has been back inside since 1974 – when he was a summer intern at the Free Press – the newspaper assigned him to go inside as an inmate for a weekend. Kevin Rollason story. Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Feb. 11 2016

Resident questions value of Whyte Ridge ‘no sliding’ signs

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Resident questions value of Whyte Ridge ‘no sliding’ signs

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

A Whyte Ridge grandfather views city signs warning tobogganing is banned on a hill in the suburban neighbourhood as an overstep.

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Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

Mike Sudoma/Winnipeg Free Press Community member Wesley Wold stands next to a sign warning folks of all ages from sliding down a hill next to Whyte Ridge Elementary School because of “Hidden Hazards” February 10, 2023

Accused struggles with drugs: court documents

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Accused struggles with drugs: court documents

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

Cocaine addiction fuelled the crimes committed by a man recently charged with stealing from hardware stores and restaurants, court has heard.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

Cocaine addiction fuelled the crimes committed by a man recently charged with stealing from hardware stores and restaurants, court has heard.

Prairie gridiron fans prefer Grey Cup

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Prairie gridiron fans prefer Grey Cup

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

In Manitoba, the big game is the Grey Cup, not the Super Bowl, a new poll has found.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

Toronto Argonauts beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 109th Grey Cup held in Regina last year. (Paul Chiasson / The Canadian Press files)

Police nab two suspects after mom-and-pop shops robbed

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police nab two suspects after mom-and-pop shops robbed

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Lisa Le has been stressed out since thieves smashed into her Pembina Highway restaurant and made off with cash and debit machines.

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Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Momo Japanese and Korean Restaurant co-owners Lisa Le and Sunpil Han in front of their business, which was recently broken into, in Winnipeg.

Man charged with stealing from 25 businesses

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Man charged with stealing from 25 businesses

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

A Winnipeg man with a lengthy record of property crime convictions stands accused of committing more than two dozen thefts and break-and-enters at stores and restaurants since late November.

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Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

A Winnipeg man with a lengthy record of property crime convictions stands accused of committing more than two dozen thefts and break-and-enters at stores and restaurants since late November.

First Nations owed $11B in treaty payments: lawsuit

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

First Nations owed $11B in treaty payments: lawsuit

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

A Manitoba Indigenous man argues members of seven First Nations are owed $11 billion related to a treaty signed more than 150 years ago, in a lawsuit against the federal government.

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Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
A replica of a Treaty Medal No. 1 on display at the Manitoba Museum. It commemorates the Treaty negotiated at Lower Fort Garry in 1871.

Accused in slayings recently got out of jail

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Accused in slayings recently got out of jail

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023

One of the men accused in two slayings and two assaults in the inner city had recently been released from jail for carrying crack cocaine and a loaded air pistol at a Higgins Avenue hotel.

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Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Carl George Wescoupe, 40, of Winnipeg was found dead in a suite at the Manwin Hotel on Main Street Jan. 29. Police said his injuries were severe.

Lawsuit alleges former lottery winner a drug dealer

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Lawsuit alleges former lottery winner a drug dealer

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023

One local lottery winner’s luck may have run out. The province of Manitoba’s criminal property forfeiture director has filed a lawsuit to seize cash, properties, a luxury vehicle and jewelry from Khalaf Shammo, 26, and his siblings and parents.

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Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023

Khalaf Shammo won $1 million in 2019. (Supplied)

Gruesome attack shines spotlight on bail regulations

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Gruesome attack shines spotlight on bail regulations

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

A man charged in a vicious, random downtown attack Friday that left the victim’s intestines partially exposed was in court one day earlier, pleading guilty to a previous assault, the Free Press has learned.

Multiple people are suspected of confronting the victim, who they did not know, in what a police source described as a “horrific” and “prolonged” assault using multiple weapons before they robbed him of his possessions.

Officers responded to a call just before 11 p.m. near the rear of the Bell Hotel at Main Street and Henry Avenue, where they found the 57-year-old victim on the ground.

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Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Officers responded to a call just before 11 p.m. near the rear of the Bell Hotel at Main Street and Henry Avenue, where they found a 57-year-old victim.

Police alerted to separate slayings two hours apart

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police alerted to separate slayings two hours apart

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

The 25-year-old man accused in a slaying outside a Henry Avenue shelter has a history of armed assault while intoxicated.

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Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg police said they have arrested a suspect in a slaying outside the Salvation Army shelter Thursday.

City officer cleared in shooting

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

City officer cleared in shooting

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

A Winnipeg police officer was justified when he shot a man, armed with knives, in the thigh last fall, the police oversight agency has concluded.

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A police officer who shot a man, armed with knives, in the thigh on Barber Street last fall has been cleared.

Police probe Henry Avenue death

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Police probe Henry Avenue death

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

One person is dead after an incident outside a Winnipeg shelter Thursday morning.

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Yellow police tape stretched from the Lighthouse Mission on Main Street, around the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope shelter, down Henry Avenue.

Wholesaler suing restaurateur over non-payment

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Wholesaler suing restaurateur over non-payment

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

A food wholesaler is suing the owner of a Winnipeg restaurant that became a gathering place for COVID-deniers during the pandemic before it closed.

Pratts Ltd. and Pratts Wholesale Food Service Ltd. allege Tuxedo Village Family Restaurant and its owner, Paulina Jojnowicz, owe $11,056.38 plus interest, stemming from a 2018 contract. A statement of claim was filed in the Court of King’s Bench on Jan. 23.

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The owner of Tuxedo Village Family Restaurant, which is listed online as permanently closed, is being sued.

Resign from law society or face disbarment, disgraced city lawyer told

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Resign from law society or face disbarment, disgraced city lawyer told

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

A Winnipeg lawyer and former property manager who admitted to misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property trust funds has been told he can either resign from the province’s law society or be disbarred.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Jeff Rabb, the former head of Winpark Dorchester Properties, admitted to misappropriating more than $360,000 in trust funds from a number of the company’s properties between 2009 and 2015. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Catalytic converter thefts creep up

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Catalytic converter thefts creep up

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

THE theft of catalytic converters is slowly increasing just months after it plummeted thanks to a new law, enforcement crackdown and tracking program.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Crime Stoppers, has equipped at least 68 auto shops and dealerships in the province with etching equipment to identify catalytic converter. (Ehtan Cairns / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Two charged in series of break-ins

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Two charged in series of break-ins

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Winnipeg police have arrested two people accused in a lengthy spree of break-and-enters at residences and storage units.

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Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Winnipeg police have arrested two people accused in a lengthy spree of break-and-enters at residences and storage units.

Cold keeps doors closed at Steinbach-area schools

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Cold keeps doors closed at Steinbach-area schools

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

All Steinbach and area schools were closed Monday out of concern for the extreme cold, days after seven of them had been shuttered due to threats.

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Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Circumstances leading to homicides in Winnipeg’s most murderous year tended to follow a familiar narrative

Erik Pindera 20 minute read Preview

Circumstances leading to homicides in Winnipeg’s most murderous year tended to follow a familiar narrative

Erik Pindera 20 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Eight evidence markers, lettered A through H, were placed on garbage bins in the backyard of the white two-storey fourplex at 259 McKay Ave., just east of Henderson Highway.

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Partial human remains were discovered behind apartment building in the 200 block of Edison Ave in May last year. Investigators arrested and since charged Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki, 35, with first degree for the homicide of Rebecca Contois.

Threats close Steinbach-area schools, prompt international probe

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Threats close Steinbach-area schools, prompt international probe

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

All Steinbach schools and one in a neighbouring community closed Friday after receiving more threatening phone messages.

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

City moving toward Transit security force: mayor

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

City moving toward Transit security force: mayor

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Winnipeg’s mayor is promising to establish a Transit security force within months, as concerns over violence on its buses and along its routes skyrocket.

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayor Scott Gillingham in his office at City Hall during his year-end interview. See Joyanne Pursaga story 221216 - Friday, December 16, 2022.

Transit adds voice to call for national task force

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Transit adds voice to call for national task force

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

In the latest violence plaguing Winnipeg Transit, police arrested a woman accused of assaulting a bus driver and passengers — and another woman who stepped in to fight her.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The local bus driver union wants a national task force to address violence on transit systems across the country.

Police chief asks for $1.8M to hire more 911 staff

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police chief asks for $1.8M to hire more 911 staff

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Winnipeg’s police chief wants more funding to hire 911 call operators and dispatchers as call volumes increase and staff burn out.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

The 911 call centre received 713,093 calls in 2022 compared to 585,984 calls In 2017, according to Winnipeg police chief Danny Smyth. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Co-accused in bus attack assaulted Mountie in 2021

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Co-accused in bus attack assaulted Mountie in 2021

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

A man accused of attacking a father and child on a city bus last week pleaded guilty two years ago to kicking a RCMP constable and taking a swing at another.

Clifford Mentuck, 31, and Nida Diane Kipling, 37, remain in custody, facing charges in the Jan. 19 assault on a Winnipeg Transit bus.

The father and his 10-year-old son were passengers aboard the vehicle when a male and female began randomly shouting obscenities at them, the Winnipeg Police Service said Jan. 20.

The assault escalated, and the man and boy were punched multiple times before the suspects fled. After exiting the bus, the male suspect returned briefly and slapped the father across the face, police said at the time.

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Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

A man accused of attacking a father and child on a city bus last week pleaded guilty two years ago to kicking a RCMP constable and taking a swing at another.

Clifford Mentuck, 31, and Nida Diane Kipling, 37, remain in custody, facing charges in the Jan. 19 assault on a Winnipeg Transit bus.

The father and his 10-year-old son were passengers aboard the vehicle when a male and female began randomly shouting obscenities at them, the Winnipeg Police Service said Jan. 20.

The assault escalated, and the man and boy were punched multiple times before the suspects fled. After exiting the bus, the male suspect returned briefly and slapped the father across the face, police said at the time.

Police seek man in public choking attack

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police seek man in public choking attack

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

Winnipeg police are searching for a male suspect after a woman was choked unconscious on a Windsor Park-area street early Saturday.

Police were called to Elizabeth Road and De Bourmont Avenue at about 12:30 a.m., where a woman in her 40s reported being assaulted by an unknown man.

The woman said she had walked west on Elizabeth, then north on De Bourmont, when a man came up behind her. He began to choke her and pulled her to the ground where she lost consciousness, police said Monday.

She fought the man off, once she came to. The suspect fled.

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Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A woman in her 40s reported being assaulted by a man she didn’t know at around 12:30 am at the intersection of Elizabeth Road and De Bourmont Avenue.

Lawyers in doctor’s sex assault trial to ask for stay of proceedings

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Lawyers in doctor’s sex assault trial to ask for stay of proceedings

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

Defence lawyers for a rural doctor accused of multiple counts of sexual assault intend to apply for a judicial stay of proceedings, court heard Friday.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

Dr. Arcel Bissonnette’s lawyers are planning to ask for a judicial stay of proceedings on the grounds of abuse of process and late disclosure. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Manslaughter conviction in 2020 fatal stabbing

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Manslaughter conviction in 2020 fatal stabbing

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

A Winnipeg man has been convicted of manslaughter in a 2020 fatal stabbing precipitated by a verbal exchange over a small amount of cash.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

WINNIPEG POLICE HANDOUT

Dylan James Mousseau

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter, admits stabbing victim in 2021 North End group assault

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter, admits stabbing victim in 2021 North End group assault

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

A man accused in the stabbing death of a 28-year-old man on North End street in 2021 has pleaded guilty for his involvement.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

The Manitoba Law Courts building is shown in downtown Winnipeg, Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Life sentence, no parole for seven years for 2019 Thompson slaying

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Life sentence, no parole for seven years for 2019 Thompson slaying

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

The man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the “horrific death” of a vulnerable woman in Thompson has been sentenced to life in prison.

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Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

Bobbie Lynn Moose, 29, was found in an industrial area of Thompson in 2019. (Supplied)

Doctor’s sex assault trial adjourned for third consecutive day

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Doctor’s sex assault trial adjourned for third consecutive day

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

A rural Manitoba doctor’s trial on nearly two dozen sexual assault charges was adjourned for the third consecutive day Wednesday after court heard key notebooks from the lead police investigator appear to be unrecoverable.

The judge-only trial, scheduled for four weeks, will reconvene in front of Court of King’s Bench Justice Anne Turner Friday afternoon, when the Crown and defence lawyers are expected to discuss the plan going forward.

Dr. Arcel Bissonnette is charged with 22 counts of sexual assault for alleged offences against several female patients when he worked in Ste. Anne, a town southeast of Winnipeg, between 2004 and 2017.

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Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Dr. Arcel Bissonnette (in white) is charged with 22 counts of sexual assault for alleged offences against several female patients when he worked in Ste. Anne, a town southeast of Winnipeg, between 2004 and 2017.

Former officer gets absolute discharge on fraud charge

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Former officer gets absolute discharge on fraud charge

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

A now-former Winnipeg police officer who was charged with fraud over $5,000 after receiving long-term disability payments while running a private business was granted an absolute discharge Monday.

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Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

Elmer Hanson, seen here in 2006, was operating a business while collecting disability insurance. He paid the entire amount back. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Ste. Anne MD’s sexual assault trial adjourned again to locate missing evidence

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Ste. Anne MD’s sexual assault trial adjourned again to locate missing evidence

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

The trial for a rural doctor charged with sexual assault was adjourned for the second consecutive day Tuesday morning, to give Crown prosecutors time to obtain evidence the defence is seeking from the Sainte-Anne Police Service.

Dr. Arcel Bissonnette is charged with 22 counts of sexual assault for alleged offences against several female patients when he worked in Ste. Anne, a town southeast of Winnipeg, between 2004 and 2017.

He was initially charged in 2020 with six counts, before additional complainants stepped forward and he was charged with 16 more offences in 2021.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba barred him from practising medicine when he was first charged.

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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Dr. Arcel Bissonnette is charged with 22 counts of sexual assault for alleged offences against several female patients when he worked in Ste. Anne, a town southeast of Winnipeg, between 2004 and 2017.

12 months in jail for fatal 2020 hit, run

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

12 months in jail for fatal 2020 hit, run

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

The widow of a Winnipeg man killed in a 2020 hit-and-run by a driver with a suspended licence cried Monday as she told court of her loss.

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Police forensics unit are at the scene of an accident on Grey Street between Munroe and Moncton Avenues. That stretch or Grey Street is closed with dozens of evidence markers on the road. A helmet and a bicycle could be seen amongst the evidence markers. 200730 - Wednesday, July 30, 2020.

Interpol request leads to Manitoba man’s arrest

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Interpol request leads to Manitoba man’s arrest

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

A Russell man has been charged after RCMP were contacted by Interpol about threats made on social media toward law enforcement personnel, government officials and medical professionals.

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

A Russell man has been charged after RCMP were contacted by Interpol about threats made on social media toward law enforcement personnel, government officials and medical professionals.

Canadian foundation misled Manitoba charities, private investors who lost more than $1M in Bolivian bank, securities commission decides

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Canadian foundation misled Manitoba charities, private investors who lost more than $1M in Bolivian bank, securities commission decides

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

Two Christian charities and other Manitoba investors lost more than $1 million after they were misled into putting money in a Bolivian bank beginning more than 15 years ago.

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Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES / JONATHAN HAYWARD

Two Christian charities and other Manitoba investors lost more than $1 million after they were misled into putting money in a Bolivian bank beginning more than 15 years ago.

Bear spray threat in attempted dognapping

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Bear spray threat in attempted dognapping

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

Winnipeg police are seeking two women suspected of trying to steal a man’s dog in the Spence neighbourhood early Thursday.

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Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES / JOHN WOODS

Winnipeg police are seeking two women suspected of trying to steal a man’s dog in the Spence neighbourhood early Thursday.

Morden man charged in five southern Manitoba bank robberies

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Morden man charged in five southern Manitoba bank robberies

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

RCMP have arrested a suspect in a two-month bank robbery spree across rural southern Manitoba.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

SUPPLIED

Brett Ashton Krashel, 30, of Morden, was charged with five counts of robbery Monday.

Steinbach man charged in 2019 abduction

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Steinbach man charged in 2019 abduction

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

RCMP have arrested a Steinbach man for the abduction of a rural Manitoba teen 3 1/2 years ago, after a lengthy, complicated and “frustrating” investigation.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

RCMP

A sketch from June 2019.

City police holiday check stops net 28 criminal charges

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

City police holiday check stops net 28 criminal charges

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Karen Reimer doesn’t wish her heartache on anyone — but she knows every day, someone’s life is destroyed by an impaired driver.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg police said they stopped 2,929 vehicles and found 75 drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs via the check stop program throughout the city from Dec. 1 to New Year’s Eve.

Sisters start fundraiser for own home care

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Sisters start fundraiser for own home care

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

TWO sisters, who have a neuromuscular disorder and rely on home care, fear they will lose their independence if their funding doesn’t increase.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Antonia Murgolo (above) and her sister Rosanna Murgolo have limb girdle muscular dystrophy and require help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press)

Impaired driving charge follows vehicle crossing fire hoses

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Impaired driving charge follows vehicle crossing fire hoses

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

One person is in police custody after an alleged impaired driver rolled over hoses city firefighters were using to douse a West End blaze early Wednesday.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

One person is in police custody after an alleged impaired driver rolled over hoses city firefighters were using to douse a West End blaze early Wednesday.

It’s not often someone in custody asks police to take him to prison

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

It’s not often someone in custody asks police to take him to prison

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Selkirk RCMP arrested a hitchhiker wanted on warrants Monday who is now accused of swallowing methamphetamine in an attempt to smuggle the drugs into Stony Mountain federal prison.

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Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

RCMP

Selkirk RCMP arrested a hitchhiker wanted on warrants Monday who is now accused of swallowing methamphetamine in an attempt to smuggle the drugs into Stony Mountain federal prison.

Alleged Selkirk school abuse victim settles suit against ex-teacher, Anglican diocese

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Alleged Selkirk school abuse victim settles suit against ex-teacher, Anglican diocese

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

A man who alleged he was sexually and physically abused at a Selkirk boarding school in the early 1980s has settled his lawsuit against a teacher and the local Anglican diocese.

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Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Parks Canada, Canadian Historic Places
St. John's Cathedral Boys' School, originally known as St. Peter's Dynevor Anglican Church Rectory, is a 2 1/2 storey stone dwelling on sprawling grounds overlooking the Red River near Selkirk. In a statement of claim filed earlier this month, a Manitoba man alleges he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by Kenneth MacKinnon Mealey, a teacher at St. John’s Cathedral Boys' School from 1981 to 1982. (Parks Canada, Canadian Historic Places)

Safety concerns sparked complaints about accused arsonist in deadly downtown fire

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Safety concerns sparked complaints about accused arsonist in deadly downtown fire

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

The behaviour of a man accused of starting a fire that killed two people and injured four others concerned at least one resident of the downtown apartment block in the months preceding the the Christmas Day tragedy.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Michael Guibeault, 36, was one of the 42 residents of the Warwick Apartments Manitoba Housing complex Qu’Appelle Avenue and Carlton Street who was displaced by the blaze.

Couple charged after 13 kids got cannabis candy in Halloween treat bags

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Couple charged after 13 kids got cannabis candy in Halloween treat bags

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

The two people arrested by Winnipeg police for allegedly handing out suspected cannabis candies to trick-or-treaters in Tuxedo last Halloween have been formally charged.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Winnipeg Police Service investigators said shortly after Halloween that 13 reports had been filed about the THC-containing edibles being found in treat bags in south Tuxedo. (WPS handout / Free Press files)

Police probe fire victim’s death as year’s first homicide

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Police probe fire victim’s death as year’s first homicide

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Winnipeg police are investigating the first homicide of 2023 after a 23-year-old woman died following a fire in a West End apartment block.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responders took a woman to hospital in critical condition, where she died of her injuries, police said.

Bus attack prompts offer to raise cash for car

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Bus attack prompts offer to raise cash for car

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

A Winnipeg woman is so concerned about an attack on a self-employed man on a city bus that she wants to help him raise money to buy a car.

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Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Terry Morton, 34, a self-employed landscaper and snow remover, was beaten and hit by a machete in a city bus.

Provincial court ill-prepared for COVID crisis: chief judge

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Provincial court ill-prepared for COVID crisis: chief judge

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

Manitoba’s provincial court was significantly challenged when the COVID-19 pandemic forced shutdowns, delays and a heavy reliance on technology to administer justice.

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Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

In her overview, Chief Judge Margaret Wiebe wrote of the pandemic: “We had no idea what was about to bear down on us, how our lives, our courts and the entire justice system would be affected.”

Grassroots effort hopes to identify ‘Buffalo Woman’

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Grassroots effort hopes to identify ‘Buffalo Woman’

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023

George Robinson and Darryl Contois walk north on Main Street toward the underpass at Higgins Avenue, carrying a packing tape dispenser and a shopping bag full of posters.

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Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023

George Robinson, left, and Darryl Contois distribute posters to help identify Buffalo Woman. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

South Osborne mainstay ready to turn the page

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

South Osborne mainstay ready to turn the page

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022

Gary Nerman figures it’s time to retire, but he has about 103,000 books and vintage magazines to sell first.

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Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Gary Nerman, owner of Nerman’s Books and Collectibles.

‘At their wits’ end’: downtown Kenora safety issues spark civic outcry

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

‘At their wits’ end’: downtown Kenora safety issues spark civic outcry

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 30, 2022

Concerns over crime, safety and substance abuse in downtown Kenora, Ont., have come to a head, with civic officials forced to hold an emergency council meeting.

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Friday, Dec. 30, 2022

SUPPLIED

Michelle Livingston, owner of Island Girl clothing shop in Kenora, Ont., is concerned about crime and safety in the downtown core after she was assaulted on Dec. 23.

Landscaper fights off man armed with machete on transit bus

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Landscaper fights off man armed with machete on transit bus

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

Terry Morton got on a bus near his St. Vital home Wednesday to go downtown and meet a friend Wednesday, but panicked and got off soon after.

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Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Terry Morton was beaten and hit by a machete before kicking the assailant off a city bus.

Man charged in commercial property theft spree

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Man charged in commercial property theft spree

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

A break-and-enter suspect — who came to police attention following a car crash and foot chase in Sage Creek earlier this month — has been charged with stealing more than a dozen vehicles and high-end pieces of equipment.

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Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

It’s uncommon to see a single suspect accused in such a long string of high-value thefts, says Winnipeg police Const. Claude Chancy. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Two critically injured in Christmas Day apartment fire die

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Two critically injured in Christmas Day apartment fire die

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

Two people injured in a fire in a downtown public housing apartment block early Christmas Day have died.

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Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On Christmas Day emergency crews pulled six people from the 113-year-old building who had to be hospitalized.

Warwick Apartments residents wait in wake of blaze

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Warwick Apartments residents wait in wake of blaze

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022

Some of the residents displaced by a Christmas Day blaze in a downtown Winnipeg apartment building aren’t sure when they’ll be able to return home.

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Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Warwick Apartments (366 Qu’Appelle Ave.) went up in flames just past 4 a.m. Sunday, forcing 42 people from the public Manitoba Housing complex.

Family honours slaying victim in ceremony at landfill

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Family honours slaying victim in ceremony at landfill

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

Before embarking on a journey of remembrance in the aching cold Friday evening, family members of a slaying victim put cedar, a sacred medicine used for healing, in their shoes.

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Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people have set up a blockade camp at the Brady landfill and 4R depot, which have been closed since Sunday afternoon.

Weather kind of hostile, but silly cycling Santa & Co. try to make less-fortunate folks smile

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Weather kind of hostile, but silly cycling Santa & Co. try to make less-fortunate folks smile

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

Old Saint Nick traded in his sleigh for a bicycle in downtown Winnipeg Friday afternoon — but the reindeer were along for the ride.

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Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Kerry LeBlanc (in Santa suit) and two dozen volunteers biked near downtown distributed candy canes, toques and warm gear to people in the downtown community. This is their 10th year cycling together and spreading cheer.

Parks tourism report draws fire

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Parks tourism report draws fire

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

The provincial government is touting a new report that “demonstrates the significant untapped potential of Manitoba parks” but is being slammed as needless and misguided by a wilderness advocate.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

The report recommends the province’s parks offer better accommodations and services; entice more visitors; partner with Indigenous organizations; and raise fees. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Indian Muslim community ensures foreign student gets proper funeral

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Indian Muslim community ensures foreign student gets proper funeral

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Javed Musharraf was warned to be careful riding his bicycle in the winter, but the international student from India had two jobs and few other options.

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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS LOCAL - Cyclist’s funeral Photo of Yacine Mamadou, Imam who resided over the funeral service offering prayers for Javed Musharraf on Wednesday along with members of the community. A funeral was held for 22-year-old Javed Musharraf, an international exchange student from India, at Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA) Grand Mosque on Waverley, Wednesday. Musharraf was killed when he collided with a front-end loader while riding his bike home later in the evening on Dec 15th. Approximately 80 members of the community held a funeral service for Javed Musharraf including roommates, Mohsin Ahmed and Shakih Shaikh (blue turban), that knew him well. His family members do not reside in Winnipeg and could not attend his service in person. See Erik’s story. Dec 21st, 2022

St. B unveils ‘cutting edge’ operating room

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

St. B unveils ‘cutting edge’ operating room

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

St. Boniface Hospital has opened its new hybrid operating room for vascular and endovascular procedures.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

SUPPLIED

Dr. Randy Guzman in Manitoba’s first endovascular hybrid operating room at St. Boniface Hospital. The operating room is a surgical theatre equipped with advanced medical imaging devices that enable and simplify minimally invasive surgery, which is less traumatic for patients.

Suspect sought in sex assault of 11-year-old girl

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Suspect sought in sex assault of 11-year-old girl

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

Winnipeg police are seeking a man who followed an 11-year-old girl into her St. Vital apartment building on Monday and sexually assaulted her.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

Winnipeg police spokeswoman Const. Dani McKinnon (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

IIU clears officers in drug-addled man’s suicide

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

IIU clears officers in drug-addled man’s suicide

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

Winnipeg police officers tried to negotiate with a suicidal man high on methamphetamine and cocaine who slit his own throat, dying in hospital in mid-May.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The IIU found in a report released Tuesday that the officers who responded to the May 14 call did not contribute to the 39-year-old man’s death in any way.

Three charged with attempted murder in hotel suite fire

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Three charged with attempted murder in hotel suite fire

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

Three people, including two teen girls, have been charged with attempted murder and arson in connection to a Winnipeg hotel fire early Sunday.

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Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Police arrested and charged one 18-year-old man and two teenage girls for attempt to murder and arson related offences after they found a woman unconscious in a suite in the Super 8 on Portage Avenue early Sunday.

Cold-weather safety top of mind for homeless agencies; downtown library’s doors remain closed

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Cold-weather safety top of mind for homeless agencies; downtown library’s doors remain closed

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

With temperatures expected to remain at -15C or below for at least the next week, social service agencies that help the homeless say more needs to be done for vulnerable Winnipeggers.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The indefinite closure of the downtown Millennium Library after a fatal stabbing just over a week ago hasn’t helped.

Ottawa to fund study of landfill search for victims’ remains

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Ottawa to fund study of landfill search for victims’ remains

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

The federal government says it will pay for a feasibility study to search a landfill north of Winnipeg where the remains of two women, believed to have been slain by alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, are buried.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller with Kera and Cambria Harris, right, daughters of Morgan Harris, who is one of four women police alleged were killed by a serial killer in Winnipeg.

Police chief extends olive branch to slaying victims’ families

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police chief extends olive branch to slaying victims’ families

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Tensions have eased following a meeting between Winnipeg’s police chief, Indigenous leaders and the family of the victim of an alleged serial killer, just days after they demanded the top cop resign.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Chief Danny Smyth offered tobacco to Long Plain Chief Kyra Wilson, Manitoba Grand Chief Cathy Merrick and the family of Morgan Harris, one of the victims of the alleged serial killer. (Winnipeg Free Press Files)

Eleven Winnipeg teenagers accused of homicide in 2022

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Eleven Winnipeg teenagers accused of homicide in 2022

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

It’s a chilling statistic in the deadliest year on record in Winnipeg: eleven teenagers are accused of taking a life.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Two 15-year-old males are each charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault in relation to three random attacks near the Main Street strip on Aug. 22. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

New commander takes over provincial RCMP

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

New commander takes over provincial RCMP

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Rob Hill’s mettle was put to the test during his first posting as a Mountie 25 years ago.

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Rob Hill has been formally installed as commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP division at a ceremony at the legislature Tuesday.

Patrons left out in the cold after fatal stabbing closes Millennium Library

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Patrons left out in the cold after fatal stabbing closes Millennium Library

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

A stabbing death on the main floor of the Millennium Library Sunday has shaken regular patrons and shuttered the downtown facility until next week.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A stabbing death on the main floor of the Millennium Library Sunday afternoon became the city’s 51st homicide.

Police chief will meet, will not quit

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police chief will meet, will not quit

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth has written to First Nations leaders about the investigation into an alleged serial killer targeting Indigenous women, offering to meet and “discuss the challenges that were encountered” — while rebuffing calls for his resignation.

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Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth during a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Police Headquarters, asking the public’s help in identifying a possible fourth victim that they believe Jeremy Skibicki, who is in police custody, murdered. 221201 - Thursday, December 01, 2022.

Dead woman’s family, First Nations call for Winnipeg police chief’s resignation

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Dead woman’s family, First Nations call for Winnipeg police chief’s resignation

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

Manitoba First Nations leaders and the daughters of a woman believed to have been slain by an alleged serial killer are calling for Winnipeg’s police chief to resign after he said searching a landfill for victims’ remains would not be feasible.

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

“To me, the message you are sending is that our women do not matter, Indigenous women do not matter. And that is a very, very sad statement to make, whether that is directly or indirectly,” said Long Plain First Nation Chief Kyra Wilson.

Murder charge in August death of senior

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Murder charge in August death of senior

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

Winnipeg police have arrested and charged a suspect in the slaying of an elderly man in his Cathedral Avenue home nearly four months ago.

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Officers were called Aug. 16 for a suspicious death on the 600 block, near McKenzie Street, where they discovered the body of Pajo (Paul) Radocaj, 83.

‘Not one easy solution’ amid deadly year on Winnipeg roads

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

‘Not one easy solution’ amid deadly year on Winnipeg roads

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

The heightened death toll on Winnipeg roads this year is “bleak” and “awful,” an active transportation advocate says.

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Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

A pedestrian was killed Dec. 3 on the southbound Century Street entrance to the St. James Bridge in a two-vehicle collision. In total, at least 21 people, including vehicle occupants, have been killed in road collisions this year, compared to nine in 2021. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files).

Police forced to defend decision not to search landfill for slaying victims

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 8 minute read Preview

Police forced to defend decision not to search landfill for slaying victims

Chris Kitching and Erik Pindera 8 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

Winnipeg police explained in great detail Tuesday why it’s unsafe for investigators to search a four-acre landfill site for the remains of two Indigenous women slain by an alleged serial killer, amid growing calls for one to be conducted.

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Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Police told Morgan Harris’s daughter Monday they suspect the her remains are in the Prairie Green Landfill.

Fatal stabbing at The Forks parkade ruled self-defence

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Fatal stabbing at The Forks parkade ruled self-defence

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

In a rare move, Winnipeg police and the provincial prosecution service have declined to lay charges — citing self-defence — after a man died in an altercation at The Forks parkade.

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Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg police and the provincial prosecution service have declined to lay charges — citing self-defence — after a man died in an altercation at The Forks parkade in May this year.

Joint police operation touts arrests, weapons seizures

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Joint police operation touts arrests, weapons seizures

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

Police agencies targeted “prolific offenders” in rural Manitoba over five days last month, making multiple arrests and seizing 13 firearms as well as machetes, knives and batons.

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Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and Manitoba First Nation Police Service served seven Criminal Code search warrants for firearms, weapons, illegal drugs and stolen property. (RCMP handout)

‘My heart is completely broken,’ Balaquit’s devastated widow tells court

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Preview

‘My heart is completely broken,’ Balaquit’s devastated widow tells court

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Devastated by grief more than four years after losing their beloved patriarch, the family of slain cleaner Eduardo Balaquit told a Manitoba judge their lives will never be the same.

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Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Edward Balaquit holds a photograph of his father, Eduardo, outside Winnipeg’s courthouse on Wednesday, while his mother Illuminada stands to the right.

Defence seeks youth sentence for son who bludgeoned mom to death

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Defence seeks youth sentence for son who bludgeoned mom to death

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

Defence lawyers for a Winnipeg man convicted of bludgeoning his mother to death when he was a teen are seeking the maximum youth sentence of seven years in custody.

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Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

Winnipeg Free Press Files

Defence lawyers for a Winnipeg man convicted of bludgeoning his mother to death when he was a teen are seeking the maximum youth sentence of seven years in custody.

Pedestrian stuck, killed on Dumoulin Street

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Pedestrian stuck, killed on Dumoulin Street

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

A man in his 50s has died after being hit by a vehicle Sunday in St. Boniface — the latest in a recent string of fatalities on Winnipeg streets.

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Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

A man in his 50s has died after being hit by a vehicle Sunday in St. Boniface — the latest in a recent string of fatalities on Winnipeg streets.

Police probe fatality at Logan Avenue fire

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police probe fatality at Logan Avenue fire

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

Darius Hill was already on the phone with 911 early Sunday when he saw the smoke billowing from the house next door.

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Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg police officers on patrol nearby spotted the blaze at 792 Logan Ave. and managed to help a 69-year-old woman escape the flames. Firefighters later found a 45-year-old man dead in the two-storey house.

City’s record homicide levels ‘disgusting’; activist

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

City’s record homicide levels ‘disgusting’; activist

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022

After a deadly shooting early people slain in Winnipeg in just over 10 months, the current rate suggests the city will record more than 50 homicides by the new year.

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Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On Sunday afternoon, the Winnipeg Police Service publicly identified the 21-year-old man who was shot on an Exchange District street early Saturday morning as Tristan James Raynard Asham.

Three men, youth charged with second-degree murder in fatal Elmwood assault

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Three men, youth charged with second-degree murder in fatal Elmwood assault

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

Winnipeg police homicide detectives have arrested three men and a teen accused in the slaying of a man who was found dead on an east Elmwood street last week.

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Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder badge is seen on Sept. 2, 2021 at the Public Information Office in Winnipeg. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

Province wants $75K seized from women in scam probe

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Province wants $75K seized from women in scam probe

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

The province is going to court to seize more than $75,000 in cash Winnipeg police confiscated in July when they arrested two Ontario women accused of defrauding seniors.

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Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

In the most recent ‘grandparents scam,’ a man would call a target and claim to be their grandson who rear-ended a vehicle while texting and driving and needed $11,000 for bail. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files)

‘An amazing human’: Elmwood homicide victim mourned

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

‘An amazing human’: Elmwood homicide victim mourned

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

Family of a man slain this week in Elmwood wants their loved one remembered as someone who could light up a room with his laughter.

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Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

William Markowski was found unresponsive outside a home on the 100 block of Johnson Avenue West and gave him medical care. He was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

Two facing charges after cannabis candy given out

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Two facing charges after cannabis candy given out

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

Two people are facing criminal charges after parents reported their children had been given bags of cannabis candy while trick-or-treating Monday.

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Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

WFP HANDOUT

The WPS has received at least 13 reports about the THC edibles in the south Tuxedo area.

RCMP close in on teenage suspects from law-breaking party

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

RCMP close in on teenage suspects from law-breaking party

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

RCMP investigators say they have identified dozens of suspects from a Saturday night party in East St. Paul where Mounties were swarmed, spat on and subjected to racial slurs.

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Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

Front-end loader intentionally crashed into store: police

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Front-end loader intentionally crashed into store: police

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

WINNIPEG police are investigating after someone drove a front-end loader into a 7-Eleven store early Tuesday morning.

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Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The front facade of a 7-Eleven convenience store at Main Street and Bannerman Avenue was heavily damaged by a front-end loader early Tuesday morning.

City records 44th homicide, matching highest-ever total

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

City records 44th homicide, matching highest-ever total

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

A man assaulted in West Elmwood early Monday died in hospital, becoming the 44th person slain in Winnipeg since January, which matches the highest yearly number recorded in the city’s history.

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Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

The taped-off crime scene included properties in the back lane of Johnson Avenue West. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Intoxicated teens attack Mounties trying to break up chaotic house party

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Intoxicated teens attack Mounties trying to break up chaotic house party

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

EAST ST. PAUL — Mounties who raced to break up a house party that had descended into chaos were swarmed by about 70 intoxicated and unruly young people, subjected to racial slurs, spat upon and had fireworks launched at them Saturday night.

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Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A massive party on Saddleridge Lane near Rothesay Street in East St. Paul Saturday saw RCMP officers swarmed by intoxicated teens.

Green party names candidate for Kirkfield Park byelection

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Green party names candidate for Kirkfield Park byelection

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022

THE Green Party of Manitoba have named a candidate in the yet-to-be announced provincial byelection in Kirkfield Park.

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Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022

THE Green Party of Manitoba have named a candidate in the yet-to-be announced provincial byelection in Kirkfield Park.

Show of support for drag queen story hour

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Show of support for drag queen story hour

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022

A counter-protest outvoiced a small demonstration against a drag queen performance at a Winnipeg coffee shop Saturday.

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Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Supporters hold signs and cheer for the kids attending the event.

Doctors, chamber issue plan to tackle physician recruitment

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Doctors, chamber issue plan to tackle physician recruitment

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Friday, Oct. 28, 2022

Manitoba doctors have written a prescription to ease the chronic shortage of physicians in rural and remote areas.

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Friday, Oct. 28, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Candace Bradshaw said the province is facing one of the biggest shortages of physicians in the country, which is particularly acute in rural regions.

Four children killed in Thompson house fire

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Preview

Four children killed in Thompson house fire

Erik Pindera 6 minute read Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

A devastating house fire in Thompson left a mother grieving her four children killed in the blaze and officials moving to respond to the “heartbreaking tragedy.”

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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

GOFUNDME

Helen Joy Keeper, 10, Leon Keeper Jr., 9, Big Bear Keeper, 7, and Rowan Thomas, 4, died in the fire at their family home in Thompson.

Vehicle in recent fatal hit, run found abandoned: police

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Vehicle in recent fatal hit, run found abandoned: police

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

Winnipeg police have located the vehicle involved in the city’s latest fatal hit-and-run, but have not yet made any arrests in the spate of collisions that killed five people in little more than a week.

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Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

A 56-year-old man was struck at Notre Dame Avenue and Keewatin Street at about 2:45 a.m. Monday. He later died in hospital.

‘Making history today’: AMC elects first female grand chief

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

‘Making history today’: AMC elects first female grand chief

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs have elected a new grand chief: Cathy Merrick — the first woman to lead the organization.

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Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Cathy Merrick of Cross Lake First Nation has been elected as the new grand chief of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC).

Voters cast their ballots, candidates confident

Malak Abas and Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Voters cast their ballots, candidates confident

Malak Abas and Erik Pindera 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

The two perceived mayoral frontrunners — Scott Gillingham and Glen Murray ― were confident, albeit tired, as the closure of the polls inched nearer this afternoon.

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Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Glen Murray attends to voting station at École LaVérendrye on Lilac Street this afternoon.

Assault victim dies after leaving hospital; murder charge laid

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Assault victim dies after leaving hospital; murder charge laid

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

A 19-year-old man has been slapped with a murder charge after the man he allegedly assaulted died two days following his release from hospital.

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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

A 19-year-old man has been slapped with a murder charge after the man he allegedly assaulted died two days following his release from hospital.

Provincial court inquest clears police in 2019 fatal shooting

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Provincial court inquest clears police in 2019 fatal shooting

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

A provincial court inquest has found three Winnipeg police officers were justified in fatally shooting a man high on methamphetamine carrying a hatchet.

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Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

On Jan. 11, 2019, the officers shot Chad Johnathan Williams, 26, on the snow-covered lawn of a vacant home at 536 Sherbrook St. after a foot pursuit, according to the inquest report.

Riel gravestone defaced, suspect sought

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Riel gravestone defaced, suspect sought

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

The Winnipeg gravestone of Louis Riel was defaced earlier this week — an incident the province’s current Métis leader calls a hate crime.

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Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

Louis Reil was convicted of treason and executed in Regina on Nov. 16, 1885. His body was returned to Winnipeg for burial. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

City police seize $6.3M in meth

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

City police seize $6.3M in meth

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

Two men from Alberta are facing multiple charges after police raided a luxury southwest Winnipeg apartment suite last week, seizing an “alarming” 63 kilograms of methamphetamine.

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Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

It’s the largest amount of meth city police have seized in one raid, organized crime Insp. Elton Hall told reporters.

Convenience store owners’ son angry, fearful after attack leaves father with brain injury

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Convenience store owners’ son angry, fearful after attack leaves father with brain injury

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

The son of a downtown convenience store owner who is in hospital with a serious brain injury after he was attacked by thieves says he’s outraged by the crime and violence his parents face daily.

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Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The owners of a convenience store at the 100 block of Donald Street were assaulted after they confronted a group that was stealing items from the store last week.

New charges for convicted sex offender

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

New charges for convicted sex offender

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

A convicted sex offender who has been in and out of custody the past two-plus decades is facing new charges.

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Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

Luigi Deangelis.

Police hunting for drivers in two fatal weekend hit-and-runs

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police hunting for drivers in two fatal weekend hit-and-runs

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Oct. 17, 2022

The number of pedestrians killed on Winnipeg streets has nearly doubled this year over last, as police ask for help in investigating the latest incident that claimed the life of a 24-year-old woman.

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Monday, Oct. 17, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Investigators have determined Shannon Joan Marie Romaniuk was crossing Portage Avenue when she was struck.

$33M pledged for Métis heritage centre

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

$33M pledged for Métis heritage centre

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022

The Manitoba Métis Federation has pulled in more than $33 million in federal and provincial funding to build a heritage centre in downtown Winnipeg.

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Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

A Métis flag flies above the BMO building at Portage and Main.

Court dismisses appeals in brutal slaying of man in apartment

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Court dismisses appeals in brutal slaying of man in apartment

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022

Manitoba’s highest court has dismissed the appeals of four men convicted in the brutal slaying of a man in an Airbnb rental apartment in 2017.

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Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022

Matthew Marjanovic was convicted of second-degree murder.

Incorporating wisdom, funding model, candidate crossfire: mayoral roundup

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Incorporating wisdom, funding model, candidate crossfire: mayoral roundup

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Mayoral candidate Shaun Loney laid out plans for his first 100 days in office Friday.

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Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Shaun Loney wants to consult with Indigenous elder Mae Louise Campbell the day after voters go to the polls. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Former high school coach charged with more sex offences

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Former high school coach charged with more sex offences

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

A former high school football coach accused of grooming and sexually assaulting students now faces a total of 30 charges after a 10th man stepped forward to report abuse.

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Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Former highschool football coach Kelsey Albert Dana McKay, 52, was charged with six new offences on Thursday. (Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Massage therapist accused in sex assault

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Massage therapist accused in sex assault

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

Winnipeg police have arrested a massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting a woman during an appointment.

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Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

Winnipeg police have arrested a massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting a woman during an appointment.

Poll shines light on Winnipeggers’ after-dark safety concerns

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Poll shines light on Winnipeggers’ after-dark safety concerns

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

People in Winnipeg are more afraid to walk alone after dark than anyone else in Canada, new polling suggests.

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Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

A new Angus Reid poll found crime concerns are at their peak in Winnipeg and Manitoba, where the crime-severity and violent-crime-severity indexes are high. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

University retires hockey jersey of Manitoba player killed in crash

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

University retires hockey jersey of Manitoba player killed in crash

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

A young woman killed in Transcona last spring in an alleged drunk-driving collision has been honoured by her Edmonton university’s hockey team.

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Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

SUPPLIED

A memorial set up at a MacEwan University ceremony in Edmonton last Friday, honouring Jordyn Reimer, 24, who was killed in an alleged drunk driving collision in Transcona in May.

Arrest made in assault on child outside school

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Arrest made in assault on child outside school

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

Winnipeg police have arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman on a city bus and hitting a child outside of a Transcona elementary school.

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Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

Winnipeg police have arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman on a city bus and hitting a child outside of a Transcona elementary school.

Police budget, bike thefts, government co-operation: mayoral roundup

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Police budget, bike thefts, government co-operation: mayoral roundup

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein wants the City of Winnipeg to stop clawing back cash from the police and redirect such money toward officers on the street.

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Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

“I would like to see more funding and resources put toward dealing with crime on the street,” Kevin Klein said, adding he would work with a hand-selected police board to achieve those goals.

Inflation increases pressure on food banks; Harvest expects record demand during holiday season

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Inflation increases pressure on food banks; Harvest expects record demand during holiday season

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

Rising grocery prices caused by inflation is resulting in skyrocketing demand on Manitoba food banks.

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Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

MAGGIE MACINTOSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Rising grocery prices caused by inflation is resulting in skyrocketing demand on Manitoba food banks.

Iranian-Canadians rally in support of protests in Iran on the steps of CMHR

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Iranian-Canadians rally in support of protests in Iran on the steps of CMHR

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022

More than 100 Iranian-Canadians protested in Winnipeg on the steps of Canadian Museum for Human Rights Saturday as anti-government demonstrations continue to roil Iran.

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Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Shima (left) and Alan Talebi sing at a rally in support of protests in Iran, and in memory of those who have been killed in those protests, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg on Saturday.

Effective catalytic-converter anti-theft etching program expands beyond Perimeter

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Effective catalytic-converter anti-theft etching program expands beyond Perimeter

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

STEINBACH — A anti-theft program meant to help police catch catalytic-converter thieves has expanded southeast of Winnipeg.

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Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Jerry Mitchell, a technician at Harvest Honda in Steinbach, engraves a vehicle identification number into a catalytic converter on Friday. The local RCMP detachment will receive $40,000 to purchase engravers and heat-resistant paint for area garages.

Former leader suing Bear Clan, board member

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Former leader suing Bear Clan, board member

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

The former leader of the Bear Clan Patrol is suing the Winnipeg community non-profit and one of its board members for alleged defamation.

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Friday, Oct. 7, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

James Favel, former director of the Bear Clan, is suing the organization and one of its board members for defamation.

Family of 2019 homicide victim push for public info

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Family of 2019 homicide victim push for public info

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

The family of an 18-year-old woman whose death in The Pas three years ago has been declared a homicide is relieved it may soon have some answers.

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Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

Legislature camp taken down after risk escalated: police

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Legislature camp taken down after risk escalated: police

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

Winnipeg police say they had no choice but to take apart a months-long encampment on the north side of the Manitoba legislature because the potential for violence had ratcheted up in recent weeks.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg police said they found a number of weapons, including three axes, a hammer, hatchet, body armour, a three-foot club, a spear and a machete.

New sex imagery charges for man accused in COVID protest hit, run

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

New sex imagery charges for man accused in COVID protest hit, run

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

A man charged in a hit-and-run near the Manitoba legislature in February, and later accused of posting nude images of women online without their consent, has been arrested again.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

Another victim identified herself in images posted online without her consent, Winnipeg police said Wednesday, telling investigators she was 16 or 17 when David Alexander Zegarac allegedly took the photographs. (Shauna Jurczak photo / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Winnipegger hopes rocks help Texans in a hard place

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Winnipegger hopes rocks help Texans in a hard place

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

A Winnipeg woman has sent her messages of hope in the form of small art pieces to an American town that suffered a horrific school shooting just over four months ago.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

SUPPLIED

Carly Sanders, a 37-year-old Winnipeg occupational therapist, sent painted rocks to Uvalde, Texas, to contribute to a rock garden honouring 19 children murdered in a school shooting.

Body found at The Pas three years ago declared homicide

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Body found at The Pas three years ago declared homicide

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

An 18-year-old woman whose remains were found in The Pas three years ago has been deemed a victim of homicide.

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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

SUPPLIED

Kendara Ballantyne was found dead Aug. 6, 2019, near the University College of the North, 11 days after she had been reported missing.

Free Press journalist, author Frances Russell dead at 80

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Free Press journalist, author Frances Russell dead at 80

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

Longtime Winnipeg Free Press political columnist, freelance journalist and author Frances Russell has died.

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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

Frances Russell wrote a column on provincial and national politics three times each week for the Free Press from 1981 to 1999. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

Devastated family tried to get opioid user help before his death in August

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Devastated family tried to get opioid user help before his death in August

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

The family of a man who died in hospital after being found in medical distress outside a fast-food restaurant in early August wants the world to know he was loved.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

SUPPLIED

A family photograph of the Mowats (from left): Sarah, John, mother Laureen and CJ.

First class graduates from firefighter diversity program

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

First class graduates from firefighter diversity program

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022

The first class of a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service training program aimed at prospective firefighters from diverse backgrounds has graduated.

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Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service bagpiper Scott Fowell. The graduates were handed their certificates at a formal ceremony attended by family and city and department officials at the Winnipeg Fire Fighters Museum.

Daycares awarded funding for Indigenous programs

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Daycares awarded funding for Indigenous programs

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

The provincial and federal governments will spend $300,000 to help 24 Manitoba daycares implement Indigenous cultural programs.

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Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko said the grants are part of the provincial government’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action.

Motorcycle rider wants province to act after friend killed on muddy highway

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Motorcycle rider wants province to act after friend killed on muddy highway

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

At first the motorcycle riders thought they were coming onto a patch of new pavement on Provincial Road 311 last Saturday afternoon — not a mud slick after a morning of light rain.

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Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

SUPPLIED

Five of the six riders lost control on the road near the intersection with Road 36E northeast of Steinbach at about 1 p.m., and 45-year-old Denis L’Heureux, who was in the lead, was thrown from his bike into the opposite lane, where an oncoming pickup truck struck him.

One suspect, 69 charges in series of break-ins: police

Erik Pindera and Dean Pritchard 3 minute read Preview

One suspect, 69 charges in series of break-ins: police

Erik Pindera and Dean Pritchard 3 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

Winnipeg police property crime investigators have arrested a man accused in a nine-month spree of break-ins.

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Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

Winnipeg police property crime investigators have arrested a man accused in a nine-month spree of break-ins.

City police shoot man on Point Douglas street

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

City police shoot man on Point Douglas street

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

Winnipeg police shot a man allegedly armed with a knife Tuesday morning.

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Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A police SUV sat parked outside the home on Barber Street between Rover and Euclid avenues Tuesday morning.

Police union president retires after eight years at helm

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police union president retires after eight years at helm

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

The longtime head of the city’s police union is stepping down.

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Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Maurice ‘Moe’ Sabourin is retiring after 33 years with the Winnipeg Police Service and eight years as president of the Winnipeg Police Association.

Roofer not impressed with police response to trailer theft

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Roofer not impressed with police response to trailer theft

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

A local roofing company’s project manager is frustrated after a work trailer equipped with a GPS tracker was stolen Wednesday night — and thinks police did little to help after staffers tracked it to a garage.

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Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Rick Lavallee, project manager, Pristine Roofing is frustrated after a GPS-equipped trailer was stolen Wednesday night — and police did little to help.

Senior assaulted in daytime carjacking

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Senior assaulted in daytime carjacking

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

Winnipeg police are searching for a suspect after a senior was assaulted during a carjacking on a residential street in Norwood East.

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

Winnipeg police are searching for a suspect after a senior was assaulted during a carjacking on a residential street in Norwood East.

Police, fire, bylaw-enforcement team up in struggle to deal with Winnipeg's derelict properties

Erik Pindera 8 minute read Preview

Police, fire, bylaw-enforcement team up in struggle to deal with Winnipeg's derelict properties

Erik Pindera 8 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

Vivian Ketchum sees the city workers pull up to the burned-out husks that used to be homes on William Avenue and walks over from the bus stop across the street to give them a piece of her mind.

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

John Bernuy from Community Bylaw Enforcement Services (left), WPS Staff Sergeant Rob Duttchen, and WFPS Assistant Chief Scott Wilkinson check out a vacant building on Mayfair Avenue in Winnipeg.

Police seek info after woman in wheelchair attacked

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Police seek info after woman in wheelchair attacked

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

Winnipeg police are asking for the public’s help in the case of a wheelchair user who was hospitalized after an assault and robbery.

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Constable Jay Murray said the WPS is asking for the public’s help after investigators exhausted all leads to no avail.

Goertzen adds bear spray to his Criminal Code-amendment wish list

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Goertzen adds bear spray to his Criminal Code-amendment wish list

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

Manitoba’s justice minister is lobbying the federal government to amend the Criminal Code to make it harder for criminals who use bear pepper spray in assaults to receive bail.

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Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Provincial Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen wants hikers and other people who have a legitimate use for bear spray to continue to be able to purchase it without significant hassle, he said in an interview.

Two arrested in gunpoint carjacking

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Two arrested in gunpoint carjacking

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

Winnipeg police have charged two people accused in a carjacking and attempted armed robbery Monday night.

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Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Winnipeg Police Service headquarters, where an individual doused himself in flammable liquid and attempted to light himself on fire, in Winnipeg on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. For --- story.

Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

Women warned about groper on city buses

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Women warned about groper on city buses

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2022

Women who take Winnipeg city buses are being warned to watch out for a man who has groped several riders.

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Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Multiple women told bus drivers that an unknown man had grabbed their buttocks and tried to kiss them, police said.

Mayoral candidate Motkaluk seeks to fold police board

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Motkaluk seeks to fold police board

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2022

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk wants the Winnipeg Police Board to fire the city’s top cop — then, if elected, she would seek to have the province to abolish the board.

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Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk filed a complaint to the police board this week, asking for the chief’s dismissal, under its rules of practice and procedure.

‘Frustrated’ civic workers’ union ramps up strike preparations

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

‘Frustrated’ civic workers’ union ramps up strike preparations

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Monday, Sep. 19, 2022

The largest union of city workers is poised to strike.

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Monday, Sep. 19, 2022

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 500 has instructed its members to sign up for picket duty following the failure of the most recent round of contract negotiations.

Rising emergency calls strain resources, police chief says

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Rising emergency calls strain resources, police chief says

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Sunday, Sep. 18, 2022

The skyrocketing number of emergency calls means the city’s police chief will likely soon ask for more cash.

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Sunday, Sep. 18, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The WPS communications centre is currently dispatching more than 500 calls per day.

Public trust in city police declines: survey

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Public trust in city police declines: survey

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 16, 2022

The perception of Winnipeg police has worsened and more people think the force is overfunded, according to a recent public opinion survey.

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Friday, Sep. 16, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Confidence in the Winnipeg Police Service is down — 61 per cent this year, compared to a high of 81 per cent in 2015.

Police still seek to ID dead man

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Police still seek to ID dead man

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

Winnipeg police and the provincial medical examiner’s office are trying to identify a man who died in hospital in early August after collapsing outside a McDonald’s restaurant on Main Street.

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Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

Viewpoints clash over civic campaign literature photo use

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Viewpoints clash over civic campaign literature photo use

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

A Winnipeg woman says she was shocked to find her photograph in a mayoral candidate’s campaign literature, and upset at the lack of response in her quest to have the image removed.

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Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Bev Pike is a volunteer with the South Osborne Residents’ whose photo appeared in a Motkaluk flyer without her permission.

Mayoral candidate Klein promises to rev up paramedics response

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Klein promises to rev up paramedics response

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein is pledging, if elected, to improve ambulance wait times by introducing new paramedic units focused on low-priority calls.

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Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

Kevin Klein believes building tiny homes could help the city deal with the housing crisis. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Mounties seek info in 2018 missing persons case

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Mounties seek info in 2018 missing persons case

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

RCMP are again making a public appeal for information in the disappearance of a rural Manitoba man more than four years ago.

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Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

RCMP

Vernon Karl Otto was last seen May 29, 2018.

Health care aides accused of assaulting care home residents

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Health care aides accused of assaulting care home residents

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

Two health-care aides face charges of assaulting elderly residents of a Winnipeg personal care home, eight months after staff blew the whistle on the abuse.

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Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A 49-year-old woman is facing three charges of assault and a 36-year-old woman is facing two charges of assault after abuse allegations at Extendicare’s Oakview Place at 2395 Ness Ave.

Victim’s family hopes for answers in Maples slaying

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Victim’s family hopes for answers in Maples slaying

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

The family of a man fatally assaulted at a home in the Maples last week is trying to understand why he was there in the first place.

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Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

The family of a man fatally assaulted at a home in the Maples last week is trying to understand why he was there in the first place.

Winnipeg Arena Queen portrait to get public display

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Arena Queen portrait to get public display

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

The enormous painting of Queen Elizabeth that watched over NHL games from the rafters of the old Winnipeg Arena for two decades will be displayed for public viewing in the coming weeks.

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Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

The painting of Queen Elizabeth II from the old Winnipeg Arena was displayed outside of the Pint on Garry Street prior to the Heritage Classic hockey games in 2016. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Fatal train crash inquest to focus on response, communication

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Fatal train crash inquest to focus on response, communication

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

An inquest into a fatal train derailment in a remote part of the North won’t examine whether faster or different medical treatment at the scene could have prevented the death, a Manitoba judge has ruled.

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Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

Transportation Safety Board of Canada photo Aerial view of the train derailment near Ponton, Manitoba. Derailment occured September 15. Photo taken September 18, 2018.

‘24/7 crack shack’ cook sentenced to eight years

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

‘24/7 crack shack’ cook sentenced to eight years

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

Timothy Verbong cooked cocaine, cut it, weighed it and packaged it into crack that was sold from a “24/7 crack shack” by a criminal ring that terrorized the residents of Point Douglas.

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Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Last year, the Drug Enforcement Unit seized property, cash, jewelry, cocaine and crack cocaine along with other items during the arrest of 26 people in a months long investigation they are calling Project Matriarch.

Accused teen killer fell prey to drugs, gangs: granddad

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Accused teen killer fell prey to drugs, gangs: granddad

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

The grandfather of a 15-year-old boy accused of killing two people in Point Douglas says he was influenced by drugs and gangs in his home community and his troubles worsened when he was put into a group home.

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Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Marvin William Felix, 54, was attacked in a lane behind a hotel on the 600 block of Main Street. He died Aug. 25.

Man charged with stabbing three people

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Man charged with stabbing three people

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

Winnipeg police have charged a man in the stabbing of three people in a Flora Avenue home Friday night.

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Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022

Winnipeg police have charged a man in the stabbing of three people in a Flora Avenue home Friday night.

Home Street death city’s 36th homicide of year

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Home Street death city’s 36th homicide of year

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

Winnipeg Police Service homicide investigators are searching for answers after a 66-year-old man was found slain in the West End.

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Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

A residential building on the 600 block of Home Street, where Winnipeg Police Service officers found Son Minh Nguyen, 66, dead on Sept. 1, 2022. His death is believed to be a homicide. (ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS )

Man charged with posting nude photos online without consent

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Man charged with posting nude photos online without consent

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

A man charged in a hit-and-run near the Manitoba legislature in February has been accused of posting nude images of women online without their consent.

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Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

Dave Zegarac at an event promoting a Rock Against Racism concert in 2007. (Shauna Jurczak photo / Winnipeg Free Press files)

First-degree murder charge laid in 2020 Winnipeg slaying

Erik Pindera and Chris Kitching 5 minute read Preview

First-degree murder charge laid in 2020 Winnipeg slaying

Erik Pindera and Chris Kitching 5 minute read Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

A Winnipeg man has been charged with first-degree murder in a 2020 homicide, but the victim’s family is still waiting for answers.

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Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

Police held a press conference in 2020 following the discovery of Bud Paul's remains. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Cycling advocate mayoral candidate’s bike stolen

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Cycling advocate mayoral candidate’s bike stolen

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

Bike theft is everywhere in Winnipeg these days — just ask mayoral candidate Rick Shone.

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Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

Kelly Morton photo


Mayoral candidate Rick Shone rides his bike while campaigning on Wednesday. The bike was stolen the same day.

Senior suffers life-altering injuries in home invasion, assault

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Senior suffers life-altering injuries in home invasion, assault

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

A brutal home invasion and assault with a weapon on a quiet, tree-lined Garden City street last week has left an elderly man with life-altering injuries.

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Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022

Winnipeg police believe the same suspect targeted two homes on the same block, one on Aug. 21 and the other the next day. (Erik Pindera / WInnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba funds push to lift city neighbourhood watch program

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Manitoba funds push to lift city neighbourhood watch program

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022

The province is giving Winnipeg police cash to help revamp the force’s citizen neighbourhood watch program.

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Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“At a very local level, people want to feel safe in their neighbourhood and are willing to take ownership of that, if you can engage them,” said Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

First-degree murder charge in Steinbach slaying

Erik Pindera, Tyler Searle and Chris Kitching 4 minute read Preview

First-degree murder charge in Steinbach slaying

Erik Pindera, Tyler Searle and Chris Kitching 4 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022

STEINBACH — Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin was a “beautiful, sweet girl” who made friends easily, loved to laugh and had big dreams for her future.

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Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022

Police were removing evidence from a home on Creekside Drive in Steinbach last week. (Tyler Searle / Winnipeg Free Press)

RCMP officer charged with assault for knee on man’s neck in 2019 airport arrest

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

RCMP officer charged with assault for knee on man’s neck in 2019 airport arrest

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 29, 2022

An RCMP officer has been charged with assault after a 2019 arrest at Winnipeg’s airport led to an accusation of using excessive force by holding his knee to the man’s neck.

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Monday, Aug. 29, 2022

SUPPLIED

Nathan Lasuik was arrested by RCMP at James Richardson International Airport in 2019.

Alleged teen killer arrested; second Point Douglas victim dies

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Alleged teen killer arrested; second Point Douglas victim dies

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022

Winnipeg police took the rare step of releasing a photo of an accused teen who remains at large after a second person died in relation to a series of vicious, random attacks in Point Douglas Monday.

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Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Marvin William Felix was found in a lane behind a hotel on the 600 block of Main Street. He died in hospital Thursday night, becoming Winnipeg’s 35th homicide victim of the year.

Murray outlines plan for ‘dramatic change’ to reduce inner-city violence

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Murray outlines plan for ‘dramatic change’ to reduce inner-city violence

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

Glen Murray is promising to combat violent crime in Winnipeg’s inner city if he’s elected mayor in the fall, spreading the responsibility across multiple city departments and other groups.

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Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Glen Murray, who served as Winnipeg’s mayor from 1998 to 2004, said the number of homicides in Winnipeg averaged about 20 per year during that period but have exceeded 40 in each of the last three years.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Glen Murray, candidate for Mayor of Winnipeg, accompanied by Sea Burrows, founder of the Point Douglas Powerline neighbourhood safety network, and Darrell Warren, president of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association, announced his plan for dealing with violent crime in the inner city, during a press conference in a community garden in the William Whyte Neighborhood. See Erik Pindera story 220826 - Friday, August 26, 2022.

15-year-old charged with murder, second teen at large in Point Douglas attacks

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

15-year-old charged with murder, second teen at large in Point Douglas attacks

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

A 15-year-old male has been charged in what Winnipeg police say were random attacks — one fatal — in Point Douglas Monday, and a Canadawide warrant has been issued for a second teenage suspect.

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Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Danielle Dawn Ballantyne was found dead in a Jarvis Avenue suite at 7 a.m. earlier this week.

Fatigue, inexperience caused 2019 collision, derailment of trains near Portage: report

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Preview

Fatigue, inexperience caused 2019 collision, derailment of trains near Portage: report

Erik Pindera 5 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

The collision and subsequent derailment of two CN freight trains near Portage la Prairie in 2019 was caused by human error — brought on by fatigue and inexperience — and the lack of a fail-safe stopping system, a Transportation Safety Board report says.

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Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Workers with CN look over the damage after train cars derailed west of the Assiniboine River in 2019.

Black community joins drive to find stem cells for toddler

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Black community joins drive to find stem cells for toddler

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

WINNIPEGGERS are among Canadians rallying to try to save the life of an Alberta toddler suffering from leukemia.

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Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

Jacob Marfo and son Ezra in hospital, where the boy has spent most of his life.

Main Street homicide, assaults believed to be connected

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Main Street homicide, assaults believed to be connected

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022

Winnipeg police have yet to arrest anyone for the slaying of a 36-year-old woman or the assaults on three men in Point Douglas Monday.

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Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg police investigate at 189 Jarvis Ave. Monday after the body of a 36-year-old woman was found in an apartment suite. The death has been ruled a homicide.

Goertzen asks Ottawa to take ‘immediate action’ to address Manitoba’s RCMP officer shortage

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Goertzen asks Ottawa to take ‘immediate action’ to address Manitoba’s RCMP officer shortage

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

The shortage of Mounties in rural and northern parts of the province is reaching critical levels, Manitoba’s justice minister says.

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Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES

Over the weekend Kelvin Goertzen requested a meeting with his federal counterpart over the provincial RCMP’s high job-vacancy rate.

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in fatal assault of new immigrant

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in fatal assault of new immigrant

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

A Winnipeg man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after his assault of a recent immigrant outside of a Higgins Avenue hotel led to the victim’s death in hospital last August.

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Monday, Aug. 22, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Mount Royal Hotel on Higgins Avenue. Accused Norman Richard Pruden pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, as he had been originally charged, but guilty to manslaughter.

Klein says proposal would free up police

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Klein says proposal would free up police

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein says sheriffs should man hospitals to free up Winnipeg police resources.

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Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein’s proposal would allow sheriffs to take responsibility for the people in custody awaiting medical care.

River Heights resident shaken after run-in with thieves in garage

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

River Heights resident shaken after run-in with thieves in garage

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

Ab Freig was threatened with his own jerry can of gasoline, then pushed to the ground in his garage when he confronted a pair of thieves rifling through his cars Sunday.

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Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Ab Freig was threatened with his own jerry can of gasoline, then pushed to the ground in his garage when he confronted a pair of thieves rifling through his cars Sunday.

Debate rages on whether WPS needs helicopters to keep the city safe

Erik Pindera 10 minute read Preview

Debate rages on whether WPS needs helicopters to keep the city safe

Erik Pindera 10 minute read Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

Winnipeg police Const. Gary Duncan hovers over a North End street doing some routine stolen-vehicle licence plate checks before heading downtown and then west towards the Grace Hospital, where the hunt is on for a suspect in an assault on a young girl.

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Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Police Service flight operations Patrol Sgt. Kelly Takatch (right) and pilot Const. Gary Duncan prepare the service’s helicopter before a flight in July.

City police probe two homicides

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

City police probe two homicides

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

Winnipeg’s homicide unit is probing two unrelated slayings that occurred in just over 12 hours.

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Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Officers were called to a suspicious death on the 600 block of Cathedral Avenue near McKenzie Street Tuesday afternoon, where they discovered a man’s body inside the home.

Klein plans to overhaul civic budget process if he becomes mayor

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Klein plans to overhaul civic budget process if he becomes mayor

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

Kevin Klein wants to rework city hall’s budget process if elected mayor in October.

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Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“We cannot have nearly 50 per cent of elected officials not at the table and not sharing your concerns, representing you. We will not allow that anymore,” said mayoral candidate Kevin Klein.

Concert, community honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Concert, community honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022

For the first time in two years, community members and the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls gathered together to honour their lost loved ones in St. John’s Park on Saturday.

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Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Jay Bodner, left, and Lawrence (Spatch) Mulhall of Indian City perform at the 14th annual No Stone Unturned concert in St John’s Park to honour Manitoba’s missing and murdered Saturday.

Appeal Court rejects ex-doctor’s bid to overturn sex-assault conviction, sentence

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Appeal Court rejects ex-doctor’s bid to overturn sex-assault conviction, sentence

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Manitoba’s highest court has quashed an attempt by a former walk-in clinic doctor to overturn his conviction and sentence for sexually assaulting six of his patients.

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Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES / FREE PRESS FILES

Amir Ravesh stood trial in 2019, initially accused of 12 counts of sexual assault under the guise of medical exams at his Elmwood walk-in clinic. The Crown stayed two counts and he was found not guilty of four.

‘Colonialism destroys the lives of Indigenous people,’ judge says during sentencing for slaying committed by teen

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

‘Colonialism destroys the lives of Indigenous people,’ judge says during sentencing for slaying committed by teen

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

A youth who fatally drove a knife through a man’s heart outside a Higgins Avenue hotel two years ago has been sentenced to three years less a day for manslaughter.

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Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Joshua Robert Jeromiah Hansen was 29 on Aug. 6, 2020, when he was assaulted in the parking lot of the Mount Royal Hotel just before 11 p.m. in an attack Winnipeg police described as unprovoked. He died in hospital of critical injuries.

Three years for luring teen girl in CFS care

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Three years for luring teen girl in CFS care

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

A Manitoba man convicted of luring a vulnerable teen girl in foster care has been sentenced to three years in prison.

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Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Law Courts building at 408 York Avenue.

Man arrested, weapons seized after Bonner Avenue shooting

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Man arrested, weapons seized after Bonner Avenue shooting

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

Winnipeg police have arrested a man accused of shooting at a Bonner Avenue home after leaving a party early Sunday.

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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On Tuesday, a 34-year-old man from Winnipeg, whose name had not yet been released, was charged with assault with a firearm, pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm with intent and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Mom charged with misleading police in fatal drunk-driving crash

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Mom charged with misleading police in fatal drunk-driving crash

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

The mother of a man accused in an alleged drunk-driving collision that killed a Winnipeg woman this spring has been charged for misleading investigators.

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Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

SUPPLIED

Jordyn Reimer was killed by an alleged impaired driver in a pickup truck that crashed into her vehicle.

Travel pattern key in drug case: court

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Travel pattern key in drug case: court

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

An appeals court decision has revealed insight into one of the methods alleged drug traffickers use to courier large quantities of illicit substances into Winnipeg: one-way commercial airline flights.

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Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

In a judgement delivered June 30, a Manitoba Court of Appeal judge knocked down Kerron Blair Cornel McLean’s time in prison for the fentanyl charge to nine years from 12, viewing the initial sentence as demonstrably unfit based on the applicable sentencing range and circumstances. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Mounties unveil rural violent crime-fighting strategy

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Mounties unveil rural violent crime-fighting strategy

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

Manitoba RCMP are implementing a new strategy to combat violent crime in rural areas, which Mounties say is often driven by gangs and repeat offenders.

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Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“Violent crime in some of our rural and remote communities in Manitoba is escalating to levels that are very concerning to the RCMP,” D Division Supt. Scott McMurchy, acting officer in charge of criminal operations, said at a news conference Friday.

Mayoral candidate Shone pitches relaxed public park liquor laws

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate Shone pitches relaxed public park liquor laws

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

Baljinder Sidhu figures most people know their limits.

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Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mayoral Candidate Rick Shone said the pilot project would allow public alcohol consumption in signed areas of Assiniboine, Kilodonan, Harbourview, St. Vital and Whitter parks between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., but away from play structures, splash pads and pools.

First Nations police did as required under fire: inquest judge

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

First Nations police did as required under fire: inquest judge

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

Manitoba First Nations Police Service constables who shot and killed an armed 23-year-old man at Long Plain First Nation in 2019 did what they were trained and required to do, a provincial court judge has found.

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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta said the evidence in the case was neither complicated nor controversial, and although “there is room to learn from what happened,” the judge was satisfied the officers did what they had to in response to imminent threat.

Province gives city cops $100K to fight crypto-crime

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Province gives city cops $100K to fight crypto-crime

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

The province has ponied up cash for city cops to crack down on cryptocurrency crooks.

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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Police Service financial crimes unit Sgt. Trevor Thompson, flanked by Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen (left) and police spokesman Const. Claude Chancy, announced $100,000 for the financial crimes unit.

New Manitoba RCMP commander sets his priorities

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

New Manitoba RCMP commander sets his priorities

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

The top priorities for the new commander of the Manitoba RCMP are recruiting new Mounties, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and the health of the officers he directs.

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Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

New RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill said the people the RCMP are looking to recruit are being courted by other law enforcement and security agencies, as well as other sectors such as technology.

Senior’s death investigated as homicide

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Senior’s death investigated as homicide

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

Neighbours of an elderly man whose death is being treated as a homicide by Winnipeg police are perplexed by the incident on their West End street.

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Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Homicide detectives identified the victim as James Monaghan, 74, of Winnipeg. No suspects have been arrested.

Analysts playing an integral role in police work

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Analysts playing an integral role in police work

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Aug. 1, 2022

The role of data and intelligence analysis in complex criminal investigations has evolved within city police — with civilian staffers now crunching information in real-time during law enforcement probes.

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Monday, Aug. 1, 2022

GRAHAM HUGES / CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Cell tower records tracked Kyle Pietz’s cellphone from Westcon to a nearby Safeway and Liquor Mart, back to Pietz’s Toronto Street home and then to the Arborg area — all the while with Balaquit’s body in the trunk of Pietz’s car, Crown prosecutor Brent Davidson said in a closing address to jurors in May.

Winnipeggers cheated out of $100K in ‘grandparent’ scams

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeggers cheated out of $100K in ‘grandparent’ scams

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

Winnipeg police are warning the public to be vigilant after an ugly string of “grandparent” scams.

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Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Police spokesman Const. Jay Murray said they’ve received 15 reports of the scam over the past six days, with an estimated $100,000 stolen.

RCMP seeks youth advisory committee input

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

RCMP seeks youth advisory committee input

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

As a nine-year-old child, Grayson Nzomwita was stopped by Winnipeg police walking to his River Heights home — an experience that gave him a negative opinion of law enforcement.

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Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

Bus driver forced to flee vehicle in knife attack

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Preview

Bus driver forced to flee vehicle in knife attack

Erik Pindera 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

As a Winnipeg Transit driver jumped out the side window of his bus to escape from a seemingly intoxicated passenger who was trying to stab him Sunday, he warned passengers to flee from the vehicle.

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Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

JESSE BOILY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A transit bus shares a message for social distancing at a Portage Ave bus stop on Monday, March 30, 2020. Many riders are trying to keep their distance between each other as social distancing is practiced during the current pandemic. Reporter: Eva Wasney

Trio attacked with bear spray at The Forks

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Trio attacked with bear spray at The Forks

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

A 17-year-old male has been arrested after three people, including a 12-year-old, were assaulted with bear repellent spray at The Forks Sunday — the latest violence at the popular downtown gathering space.

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Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Police believe three suspects approached the trio, who they didn’t know, and attacked them unprovoked with what they later determined was bear spray.

Woman charged in boyfriend’s slaying

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Preview

Woman charged in boyfriend’s slaying

Erik Pindera 2 minute read Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

Winnipeg police have charged a 19-year-old woman with second-degree murder in the slaying of her boyfriend Friday.

Fire paramedic crews called police to an apartment building on the 500 block of Burnell Street after they found an injured man when responding to a fire alarm at 5:30 p.m. on July 15.

Logan Clarke, 18, was taken to hospital with upper-body injuries and later died.

Homicide detectives took over the investigation and arrested a suspect at a home in Wolseley on Wednesday.

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Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Logan Clarke was found with upper-body injuries in an apartment building on the 500 block of Burnell Street on Friday. He later died.

Mathias Colomb evacuees watch, wait as wildfires near home community

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Preview

Mathias Colomb evacuees watch, wait as wildfires near home community

Erik Pindera 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022

Northern Manitoba residents taking up temporary residence in Winnipeg hotels after being forced to flee their wildfire-threatened communities hope to return home soon.

Approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, some 820 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, according to an estimate by the Canadian Red Cross — 1,800 are staying in hotels in Winnipeg, The Pas, Thompson and Brandon.

The wildfires nearing the Pukatawagan town site have grown substantially since first detection last week.

Two fires have merged with a third, a Manitoba Wildfire Service spokesperson said Wednesday. The massive blaze is now estimated at nearly 270 square km in size and is less than one km from the community.

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Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Leroy Castel fled Mathias Colomb by train with his girlfriend and a nephew four days ago, and is now staying at a medical home on Stradbrook Avenue.