News briefs for Saturday, September 27, 2025

Jets down Flames for first preseason victory

9:34 PM

The Winnipeg Jets have notched their first win of the preseason schedule.

A 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night at Canada Life Centre improved their exhibition record to 1-2-1.

Walker Duehr, Nikita Chibrikov, Parker Ford and Neal Pionk had the goals for the home team.

Zayne Parekh and Yan Kuznetsov replied for the visitors.

Eric Comrie made 22 saves for Winnipeg, while Devin Cooley stopped 25 pucks for the Flames.

Winnipeg defenceman Dylan Samberg suffered an upper-body injury early in the second period and didn’t return to the game.

The Jets conclude their six-game preseason slate next week with two road stops in Minnesota and Calgary.

Man arrested after string of copper thefts causing $90,000 damage

2:02 PM

Between Aug. 27 and Sept. 17, commercial air conditioning units at several businesses in Winnipeg were targeted during copper thefts, resulting in approximately $90,000 in damages and leaving business owners responsible for the repair costs. The total value of the stolen copper is estimated to be less than $5,000.

The thefts occurred:

• Aug. 27: A church in the 1000 block of Main Street resulting in approximately $12,000 to $14,000 damage
• Sept. 8: A synagogue in the 1000 block of Main Street resulting in $10,000 damage
• Sept. 10: A commercial building in the 1400 block of Main Street resulting in $10,000 damage
• Sept. 10: A commercial building in the 1500 block of Main Street resulting in $5,235 damage
• Sept. 11: Copper was stolen from the air conditioning unit that was previously dismantled on Aug. 27
• Sept. 17: A commercial building in the 200 block of McGregor Street resulting in $50,000 damage

As a result of these incidents, the Property Crime Unit began an investigation.

On Sept.25, investigators arrested Carl Beaulieu, 34, on charges of mischief over $5000 x 5 and theft under $5000 x 6. He was detained in custody.

Man faces charges after robbery on Pembina Highway

1:46 PM

Winnipeg police arrested a man after receiving reports of a commercial robbery in progress at a sporting goods store in the 700 block of Pembina Highway.

Through their investigation, officers learned a suspect attended the store, stole merchandise valued at almost $200, and attempted to leave without paying. Store employees intercepted the suspect, and held him awaiting police officers.

During the struggle, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife, but was quickly disarmed. He was able to flee from the employees and began to run into traffic. No injuries were reported.

Officers arrested Alex Vern James Borkowski in the 800 block of Pembina Highway, after a short foot pursuit. Officers seized almost four grams of what is believed to be methamphetamine from an allegedly uncooperative Borkowski who falsely identified himself to officers.

Borkowski has been charged with robbery, possession of a weapon, identity fraud, possession of a scheduled substance, and resist peace officer. He was also arrested on the strength of three arrest warrants, including one from the RCMP detachment in Chilliwack, B.C. regarding an assault with a weapon charge, and one from the RCMP detachment in Headingley for being unlawfully-at-large.

Borkowski has been detained in custody and will be escorted back to British Columbia in regards to the assault with weapon-related warrant.

Paintings worth nearly $9,000 stolen during commercial break-in

12:38 PM

The Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s assistance regarding an investigation stemming from a commercial break-in at a gallery’s warehouse in the 200 block of McDermot Avenue.

Investigators learned that between 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 14 and 5:42 a.m. on Aug. 15, an unknown suspect or suspects entered the warehouse by breaking a window, stole two paintings and fled the building. The stolen artwork has a combined estimated value of almost $9,000.

The Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate.

Const. Claude Chancy, a public information officer with the Winnipeg Police Service, said on Saturday that it’s not clear whether the theft was targeted or if there was a particular motive.

What is unusual about this theft, he added, is that the items in question are “quite unique,” meaning it would be difficult to pawn them off onto an unsuspecting person.

Anyone with information, or with security, cellular phone, or dashcam video in and around the time of the incident, is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or online.

Fire in vacant house on William Avenue

10:47 AM

On Friday evening at 9:39 p.m., the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half-storey residence in the 500 block of William Avenue.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters initially launched a defensive fire attack and then transitioned to an interior fire attack. The fire was declared under control at 10:07 p.m.

Crews searched the house and no occupants were found. There were no injuries reported.

The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available. The building was damaged in a previous fire in August this year.

Highway 5 closed after collision

8:54 AM

All lanes of Highway 5, from Highway 20 to Highway 10, were closed Saturday morning. The closure is because of a motor vehicle collision, the provincial government announced at 7:50 a.m.

This section of Highway 5 is near Ochre River.