News briefs for Monday, January 16, 2023

Jets recall Heinola for lengthy road trip

10:03 AM

The Winnipeg Jets have recalled defenceman Ville Heinola from the Manitoba Moose ahead of their season-long, five-game road trip.

Heinola joins the Jets just as they get ready to kick off the five-game swing, which begins in Montreal against the Canadiens. Heinola was assigned to the Moose on Friday, playing in one game, where he scored once in a 4-2 win over the Belleville Senators.

The Jets also reassigned forward Jansen Harkins to the Moose. Harkins doesn’t have to clear waivers because he was recalled on an emergency basis.

Guns, drugs seized from vehicles in Neepawa

11:08 AM

Four people are facing charges after guns and drugs were seized from two vehicles in Neepawa.

Spruce Plains RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle in a parking lot on Main Street East on Tuesday. Officers arrested three adults and a male youth and searched the vehicle, along with a second vehicle in the same lot.

Police said they seized four guns, 64 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, bear spray and other items — including a knife, bolt cutters and a saw. RCMP said some of the items seized were stolen.

A 31-year-old woman from Ste. Rose du Lac, a 21-year-old woman from Portage la Prairie, a 25-year-old man from Dauphin and a 16-year-old boy from Regina have been charged with various offences.

Russell man facing charges after Interpol tip

11:46 AM

A Russell man is facing charges after RCMP received a tip from Interpol about threats made on social media toward law enforcement personnel, government officials and medical professionals.

Russell RCMP were contacted about the threats Wednesday morning. On Thursday, “having identified the suspect and knowing his violent history with police encounters,” officers went to the man’s home in the western Manitoba community.

RCMP said the 42-year-old man became combative when told he was being arrested for uttering threats. Police said the man fought with officers, and one of his dogs bit an officer on the leg. The officer suffered only a “superficial injury,” RCMP said in a news release Monday morning.

The man was scheduled to appear in Brandon court Monday on charges of uttering threats, resisting arrest and four counts of assaulting a police officer.

Woman slain in Norway House stabbing

12:04 PM

A woman is charged with fatally stabbing another young woman in Norway House Cree Nation.

RCMP were sent to the scene at about 2:45 p.m. Friday. The 23-year-old victim was taken to hospital and died from her injuries.

A 28-year-old Norway House resident has been charged with manslaughter, RCMP said Monday morning.

Violent incident in The Pas now a double homicide

2:01 PM

A second victim has died after a violent incident in The Pas, and RCMP are investigating the case as a double homicide.

The second victim died late Sunday morning, RCMP said in a news release Monday afternoon.

Two victims were found close to one another, “with obvious signs of trauma,” shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday. One victim had died and the other was in critical condition when RCMP first told the public about the incident Sunday morning.

RCMP are asking anyone with information about the killings to call The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6200 or submit an anonymous tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Jeffcoat signs one-year deal to stay in Winnipeg

3:17 PM

Jackson Jeffcoat continues to be a good fit with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The veteran defensive end has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the CFL club. He was scheduled to become a free agent next month.

Jeffcoat, a product of Dallas who is listed at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, returns for a sixth season in Winnipeg. Despite missing six regular-season games due to injury last year, he finished with four quarterback sacks, 20 defensive tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery.

He will speak to the media on Tuesday.

Fort Alexander man missing since last month

3:32 PM

RCMP are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing man from Fort Alexander First Nation.

Murray Andrew Courchene, 41, last spoke with family members on Dec. 15 and has not been seen or heard from since. Powerview RCMP were contacted about Courchene on the morning of Jan. 3.

RCMP said Courchene might be in Winnipeg. He is described as 5-10, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket with blue jeans.

Powerview RCMP are asking anyone who knows where Courchene is to call them at 204-367-8728, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).