Monday, September 26, 2016
Weapon Arrest - C16-197581
On September 21, 2016 at approximately 9:00 p.m., members of the Tactical Support Team and general patrol responded to the 600 block of Notre Dame Avenue for the report of a male armed with a gun.
Initial information indicated that three victims had been in their vehicle at the rear of an apartment block when a male approached and made threatening comments. The victims subsequently fled and contacted police.
The investigation resulted in the identification of a suspect male that was believed to be within a residence in the immediate area. Attempts to contact the suspect went unanswered and an armed and barricaded situation was initiated.
After period of time, the Armoured Rescue Vehicle (ARV1) was deployed and utilized to gain entry into the residence allowing members of the Tactical Support Team and Canine to safely take the suspect into custody.
A search of the residence revealed an "Uzi" style replica BB gun that was believed to have been used during the initial encounter.
As a result of the incident, a 52-year-old male of Winnipeg has been charged with the following:
Uttering Threats - Cause Death or Bodily Harm x 3
Pointing a Firearm x 3
He was released on a Promise to Appear.
Update - Personating Peace Officer Arrest - C16-194652
Wanted Male Arrested:
As previously released -Over a period of several days the Winnipeg Police Service was made aware of a number of incidents where two individuals have engaged members of the public and identified themselves as 'undercover' officers.
The Winnipeg Police Service reminded members of the public that all sworn officers are required to carry a badge and a warrant card to identify themselves as police officers. Officers working, but not in uniform (plain clothes capacity) will have a Winnipeg Police Service badge affixed to their belt directly in front of their sidearm.
Police vehicles that would be involved in traffic stops will have a combination of red and blue coloured flashing lights. These will be located either on the roof of the vehicle, or mounted behind the front windshield by the rear-view mirror. In addition, flashing white lights may be located within the front grill.
The safest strategy when approached by anyone in an official capacity, whether for fundraising campaigns, meter readers, public surveys, or law enforcement, is to confirm credentials and identification.
*********************************************************************************************************
The investigation into these reports continued by members of the Winnipeg Police Service Major Crimes Unit.
Between September 14th and 18th, 2016, several members of the public were approached by the males posing as officers while in the Winnipeg and Brandon, Manitoba area.
The males would represent themselves as undercover officers and indicate that they are involved in an investigation and or advise the victim that they are a potential suspect. The males would then proceed to seize valuables such as wallets, cash and credit cards.
With the assistance of the Brandon Police Service, William Edward THOMAS, 36 years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario was arrested on September 22, 2016 in Brandon, Manitoba.
THOMAS has been charged with 43 offences which include Personating Peace Officer, Extortion, Theft and Fraud due to his alleged involvement.
Matthew Adam BARTEL, 34 years old, previously wanted in connection to the investigation was arrested on September 25, 2016.
He has been charged with 38 offences which include Personating Peace Officer, Extortion, Theft and Fraud due to his alleged involvement.
He was remanded into custody.
The Winnipeg Police Service would like to thank the public and members of the media for their assistance.
