Ontario murder suspect arrested in Winnipeg with weapons, gasoline after alleged threats to insurance business

An Ontario man accused of killing a woman near Ottawa was arrested last month in Winnipeg with a shotgun and jerry cans full of gasoline after allegedly threatening to attack an insurance company in the city’s downtown.

Ontario Provincial Police were called to a home on a rural road in the Township of Greater Madawaska, Ont., which is west of Ottawa, just before 6 p.m. on May 6, the Winnipeg Police Service said Monday.

Officers found a 61-year-old woman dead and police later learned of a potential threat. The suspect was believed to have made threats to target the Winnipeg business and “expressed a willingness to engage in a violent confrontation” with officers, police said.

The OPP called Winnipeg police on May 12 to advise their homicide suspect was likely in the city and may have had a gun.

Winnipeg patrol officers, with a description of the man and his vehicle, found the suspect on the 3600 block of Portage Avenue just before 2 p.m. that day.

Officers arrested him and found a shotgun, ammunition, more weapons and three jerry cans full of gas, police said.

City police major crimes investigators advised Ontario police of the arrest and took over the investigation into the threat to the downtown business. Ontario police flew to Winnipeg to interview the suspect about the slaying of Geraldine Fulcher of Calabogie, Ont.

Although police didn’t name the business, court records indicate the man faces two charges connected to uttering threats against Wawanesa Insurance in Winnipeg’s downtown.

It isn’t clear why the insurance company was targeted.

“We are aware of the security threat involving our company that was announced by police today,” said Michel Rosset, Wawanesa’s manager of corporate communications and media relations, in an emailed statement.

“Ensuring a safe working environment for our employees is one of Wawanesa’s highest priorities. We regularly review and strengthen our safety and security protocols to confirm our procedures align with best practices,” he said. “Given the ongoing police investigation and anticipated legal proceedings, we will not be commenting further at this time.”

Winnipeg police also charged Graham Mlodozenec, 52 of Calabogie, Ont. with several firearms offences and possession of incendiary material.

On Monday, he was transferred to Ontario police custody and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in that province. He’s expected in court in Ontario next week.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca