Police arrest nine in William Whyte crackdown blamed on gangs

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This article was published 14/03/2025 (222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A spike in violent crime in a Winnipeg neighbourhood, where three homicides happened in February, led to a police crackdown and arrests of nine people, including some with gang ties.

City police stepped up street patrols, traffic stops and bail checks amid signs a gang conflict was possibly unfolding in the William Whyte area of the North End.

“It was an identified area of higher risk in terms of gang and criminal activity,” police spokeswoman Const. Dani McKinnon told reporters Friday.

The Winnipeg Police Service’s guns and gangs unit and north district community support officers carried out an enforcement campaign in the area between Feb. 26 and March 9.

The two-week initiative was preceded by a number of shootings, assaults, robberies and arsons.

North district commander Insp. Elton Hall told a city council committee Feb. 25 a “gang situation” was possibly “brewing” in the area, after three shootings in 10-12 days and seizures of guns from gang members.

One of the incidents involved an exchange of gunfire between two groups at a house on the 600 block of Manitoba Avenue on Feb. 19.

A 14-year-old boy, who was wounded, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and other offences, police said.

The shooting led to a raid on the same block, where a shotgun and ammunition were seized. A 61-year-old man is facing gun-related charges.

Of the nine people arrested, several of them breached court orders, McKinnon said.

“Many of these individuals that we dealt with are known to police. They’re recognized, and they’re part of a bail release program already,” she said.

Checks were carried out on 25 people who were on bail or other forms of release, or wanted for alleged crimes.

Of those, many had links to organized crime or gangs, McKinnon said.

She said William Whyte residents reported crimes and asked for help in the neighbourhood leading up to the “crime suppression initiative.”

Police have not revealed the suspected motives or potential factors in two homicides that left three people dead.

Two victims — Sheldon Derrach Catcheway, 33, and Shanastene Irene McLeod, 35 — were found on the 300 block of Alfred Avenue on Feb. 15 after being shot.

On Feb. 27, Matthew Robert Pelletier, 35, was found slain inside a house on the 500 block of Magnus Avenue.

No one has been arrested in either homicide, McKinnon said.

Darrell Warren, president of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association, said residents recently noticed a “big” police presence in the area.

“It’s a good sign, and it’s very good for the area,” Warren said. “A lot of the residents, because of the shootings in the area, are afraid to go out because they might get caught up in the crossfire.”

The association is setting up a confidential tip line — similar to one that has existed in North Point Douglas for years — after applying for provincial funding.

Warren said the association is also working with the city to reduce the number of derelict houses, which can attract crime and other problems.

William Whyte’s boundaries are Redwood Avenue to the north, Main Street to the east, Selkirk Avenue to the south and Arlington Street to the west.

McKinnon encouraged Winnipeg residents to report all crimes because it helps police identify and respond to trends.

“That’s how resources are deployed, whether it’s in response to calls or proactively,” she said.

Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips.

As for the frequency of police initiatives like the one in William Whyte, they “ebb and flow,” McKinnon said.

“This is a response to something that is very violent, and something the community is asking for and needs,” she said. “Community safety is our priority.”

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca