News briefs for Monday, March 30, 2026

RCMP search for man following violent, hours-long assault 

3:30 PM

RCMP are looking for a 33-year-old man after a woman was violently assaulted over several hours at a home on the Chemawawin Cree Nation over the weekend.

The incident was reported to RCMP on March 29 at roughly 9:45 a.m. and a news release said a woman was held the previous night and punched, kicked and struck with various weapons.

However, she was able to escape and called RCMP. She was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

An arrest warrant has now been issued for Darren Lachose, 33, of the Chemawawin Cree Nation, as he’s facing numerous charges including aggravated assault, forcible confinement and aggravated sexual assault.

RCMP say the general public is not at risk and anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Chemawawin RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers to report the information anonymously.

St. Boniface councillor discloses medical episode kept him away from work

1:00 PM

St. Boniface councillor Matt Allard revealed he suffered a medical emergency that forced him from work for three weeks.

In a social media post Allard said he experienced a “medical emergency” on his way to work March 3. The post did not disclose the details of the emergency.

He returned to work March 23.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the first responders whose incredible professionalism on-site made all the difference. I am also profoundly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who provided such exceptional care throughout my recovery,” the post said.

Allard was present at council’s meeting on March 26.

Man smuggles gun into country, forgets it in a cab: Winnipeg police

12:59 PM

A man accused of smuggling a firearm into the country, only to lose it in a Winnipeg cab, has been arrested by city police and border officials.

The Winnipeg Police Service said Monday a man took a taxi from the city’s North End to a residence on the 2500 block of Pembina Highway on Feb. 25, but forgot a black case in the cab when he got out.

The cab driver later looked in the case and found a loaded Glock pistol with an auto sear, an extended magazine and ammunition, which he turned over to police.

City police firearms investigators identified a suspect and linked him to the Pembina Highway address. On March 20, city police and Canada Border Services Agency investigators searched the residence and seized 23 grams of powder cocaine, 124 grams of crack cocaine and several cell phones.

Police also found Markus Jerome James North, 22, in the home and charged him with firearms and drug trafficking offences, among others. He was held in custody.

Deep Purple, Kansas, Jefferson Starship playing arena in August

12:23 PM

A triple bill of classic rock comes to Canada Life Centre on Aug. 29.

Influential British rock act Deep Purple (Smoke on the Water) is considered a precursor to heavy metal; the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

American AOR band Kansas is known for such hits as Carry On Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind, while Jefferson Starship (Sara), formed by former members of Jefferson Airplane, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 2, at 10 a.m. at livenation.com. Prices have not been announced.