Guns seized during holiday traffic stops

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This article was published 28/12/2018 (2501 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SIX people face a slew of weapons charges following three incidents at traffic stops that led to the seizure of a number of firearms.

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service tactical support team observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the 200 block of Toronto Street being driven near Main Street and Sutherland Avenue at 11:30 a.m. on Boxing Day.

Officers pulled over the vehicle and arrested the three occupants.

Officers found three improvised firing devices and pepper spray, the WPS said Thursday.

Justin Karl Melquist, 26; Ileana Elizabeth Jewell Baptiste, 21; and Charles Corey Chamakese, 20, all of Winnipeg, face multiple charges and were detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.

At 11:10 p.m. on Boxing Day, officers observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the 900 block of Ashburn Street being driven near Selkirk Avenue and Salter Street. The driver pulled the vehicle into a gas station and, along with the passenger, fled on foot.

The two suspects — a woman and man — were taken in custody following a short foot chase, police said. The man was found to be in possession of 4.6 grams of meth. Inside the vehicle, officers found an improvised firing device, a rifle, ammunition, and a further 1.9 grams of meth, police said.

Lee Edward Douglas Pashe, 31, of Long Plain, and Jessica Rose Munroe, 24, of Winnipeg, collectively face more than 30 criminal charges in connection with the incident. Both were detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.

On Thursday, around 1:45 a.m., police conducted a traffic stop in the area of Manitoba Avenue and Andrews Street. The male driver fled on foot, leaving three passengers behind, police said.

Jesse Troy John Lafreniere, 33, of Winnipeg, has been charged with possession of a weapon. He was detained in custody. All three passengers were released without charges.

— Ryan Thorpe