News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Tuesday, October 7, 2014                         OPERATION NORTHERN SPOTLIGHT – PHASE 2 Coordinated Nationwide Human Trafficking Investigation   Numerous charges have been laid by police following the second installment of a coordinated, national investigation to suppress human trafficking.   Last week as part of Operation Northern Spotlight, members of 26 police services pre-arranged to meet with people suspected of partaking in the sex trade, potentially against their will, at urban locations across Canada. During the coordinated investigations over a two-day period last week, police charged nine people with 33 offences. Police were also able to ensure the safety of 18people who had been working in the sex trade as a minor or against their will, including a 12-year-old. 167 officers and support staff combined to interview 257 people -- including 255 women -- and offer them information and contacts with community-based support agencies where available.   Charges include Exercise Control, Make Child Pornography, Distribute Child Pornography, Forcible Confinement, Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons, Withhold or Destroy Documents, Living off the Avails, Assault, Utter Threats, Obstruct Police, and Failure To Comply with Court Orders and Conditions including Breaches of Recognizance and Probation. In Ontario municipal police jurisdictions, operations were supported, where appropriate, by members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).   The following police services participated in this phase of Operation Northern Spotlight: Barrie Police Service, Brantford Police Service, Durham Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, Hamilton Police Service, Kingston Police Service, RCMP – Kitchener, London Police Service, Peel Regional Police Service, Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service, Port Hope Police Service, Toronto Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Windsor Police Service, OPP, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team [ALERT], Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP Exploited Persons Pro-active Strategy (EPPS), Gatineau Police, Ville de Quebec Police, Halifax Regional Police, and RCMP Halifax.    In January 2014, Durham Regional Police coordinated Operation Northern Spotlight which focussed on hotels and motels along major thoroughfares in 30 cities and towns across the country. Police from 26 jurisdictions interviewed hundreds of young women – some as young as 15 – and found many were subjected to threats of violence, extortion, drug dependency or other forms of coercion by their adult male controllers. 342 females were interviewed and offered support.   In Winnipeg, investigators with the Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) were assisted by officers of the Counter Exploitation Team (CET), Missing Persons Unit (MPU) and RCMP – Exploited Persons Pro-active Strategy (EPPS).  A total of 18 women, aged between 18 to 54 yrs, were interviewed in massage parlours and hotels located throughout the City of Winnipeg.  Investigators believed that some of these women were under some level of control.  They were offered support services, including health care and mental/emotional supports, in hopes they can consider other options.   Clients are made aware of the women through various websites and often call or text a cell phone number to arrange liaisons at local hotel, massage parlours and motels.   The Winnipeg Police Service Counter Exploitation Unit remains committed to helping all victims and connecting them with community resources to support them.   Over the past year, the Counter Exploitation Unit has been investigating several incidents in which women are being Human Trafficked and coerced into the sex trade.   Winnipeg Police Service takes these cases seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation, as well as protect the victims of this crime.   In Winnipeg, anyone with new information that might assist investigators is asked to contact the Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) at 1-204-986-3464     For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Sunday, October 5, 2014     Drug Warrant Arrests – R14-72073 Recently, a member of the Canine Unit along with East District Station Community Support Unit members became involved in an investigation involving the trafficking of drugs from a residence in the 400 block of Yale Avenue East.  As a result, a Controlled Drugs and Substances Search Warrant was applied for and granted.   On October 3, prior to the warrant being executed, an adult male and female were observed to leave the residence and drive off.  Both were taken into custody without incident a short distance away.   Upon execution of the warrant at approximately 1:30 p.m. on October 3, a male located within the residence was arrested without incident.    A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of the following: 15.5 grams of Crack Cocaine with an estimated street value of $3000.00 Small quantity of marihuana Packaging material Dustin Jeremy BARKER, 26 years of Winnipeg has been charged with Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – COCAINE, Possession of Scheduled Substance – CANNABIS (MARIHUANA), Fail to Comply Condition Recognizance and Driving While Disqualified for his alleged involvement.   Jessie GEORGE, 26 years of Winnipeg has been charged with Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – COCAINE and Possession of Scheduled Substance – CANNABIS (MARIHUANA) for his alleged involvement.  He was also processed on an outstanding warrant for Fail to Comply Condition Recognizance x 3.   Both were detained in custody.   A 32-year-old female of Winnipeg is facing charges of Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – COCAINE and Possession of Scheduled Substance – CANNABIS (MARIHUANA) for her alleged involvement.   She was released via a Promise to Appear.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Friday, October 3, 2014   Missing Person – Brian Hurst Update – R14-71306 As previously released, the Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public's assistance in locating a 61 year old male, Brian HURST.  HURST was last seen leaving his residence in Winnipeg on September 27, 2014 and was believed to be travelling to the Kenora area and may be viewing remote cottage properties in the region.   A further description of Hurst's vehicle along with a more recent picture is included below.   HURST is described as Caucasian, 5'6" tall, 130 pounds, short brown/grey hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing a long sleeved yellow sweater, t-shirt, khaki shorts, and runners.   HURST also wears hearing aids. HURST was last seen driving his 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport, black, 2 doors with chrome trim; including the front grill, running boards and a large luggage rack on top.  The vehicle bears Manitoba License Plate GLA 603.                                                                                                                      Not Actual Vehicle                                                                The Winnipeg Police Service is concerned for HURST'S well-being and is asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact The Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Friday, October 3, 2014   Arson Arrest – C14-210995 On October 2, 2014 shortly before 11:00 p.m. emergency personnel were dispatched to a rooming house in the 400 block of Young Street for the report of a working fire.   Members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service attended and were able to contain the fire to a single suite.  Four occupants within the residence escaped without injury.   Investigation by members of the Arson Strike Unit revealed that one of the residents had lit a fire within his suite and then left the residence, leaving the other four occupants unaware of the fire.   A 32-year-old male of Winnipeg is facing the following charges for his alleged involvement: Arson with Disregard for Human Life Arson Causing Damage to Property Possession of Incendiary Material He was detained in custody.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Thursday, October 2, 2014     Stabbing Arrest – C14-209930 On October 1, 2014, shortly before 4:00 p.m., emergency personnel were dispatched for the report of a stabbing in the area of Chalmers Avenue and Gateway Street.   Upon arrival at 15 year old male was found suffering from a stab wound to the upper body.  He was transported to hospital in critical condition and later upgraded to stable.  A male youth was arrested near the scene.   Members of the Major Crimes Unit continued with the investigation and it was learned that the accused and victim were known to each other.  The victim and others in his group made their way to a nearby school where emergency personnel were contacted.  The accused remained near the scene and waited for police.   A 17-year-old male of Winnipeg has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.  He was later released via a Promise to Appear. The investigation is continuing by members of the Major Crimes Unit.     Assault Investigation Update – Arrests - C14-34425 As previously released, on February 16, 2014 at 2:10 p.m., East District Patrol members responded to the report of a fight at a community centre located on Lakewood Boulevard involving several people.   Initial investigation revealed that an altercation occurred during and at the conclusion of a hockey game involving players, coaches and officials.   As a result of the investigation it was determined that charges against one of the coaches and two of the players were warranted.   On April 25, 2014 the public was advised that a 35 year old male from Sagkeeng, Mb had been arrested and charged with Assault for his alleged involvement and later released via an Appearance Notice.   On September 25, 2014 investigators travelled to Pine Falls, Mb and met with the two 12-year-old players.  Both were arrested for Assault with a Weapon and later released via Promises to Appear.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Wednesday, October 1, 2014   Theft Investigation – Public Assistance Required – C14-172899 In July 2014, two financial institution branches located on Dublin Avenue and St. Mary's Road were subject to theft incidents. The investigation has revealed that both occurrences were similar in nature and believed to have been orchestrated by the same male suspect.   The male suspect attends to the front counter of the bank in possession of a significant amount of Canadian currency in the form of twenty and fifty dollar bill denominations. He then requests that the teller exchange the twenties and fifties for one-hundred dollar bill denominations.   The teller complies and counts out the appropriate amount of one-hundred dollar bills. The suspect takes the money and counts it a second time in front of the teller. After counting, the suspect very discreetly slips an undisclosed amount of the money into his pocket while asking to exchange the funds to United States currency.   Assuming all of the funds remain, the teller placed the money into her till. The suspect then changes his mind about the US funds and requests his original cash back. The teller counts out the original amount again and hands it to the suspect, not realizing she is out a significant amount of cash.   The suspect calmly leaves the business and the teller only realizes she is short funds some time later.   The suspect is described as a male, Asian in appearance, 5'3" tall, 20-30 years-old, stocky build, thin trimmed beard along jaw line, wearing a black baseball cap, round plastic framed glasses and a light blue button-down short sleeved dress-shirt.             The investigation is continuing by members of the West District Crime Unit. Anyone with information regarding the suspect is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-2877 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).      Fraud Investigation Arrest – C14-204414 Between September 2nd and 12th, 2014, a male suspect met two adult females via a dating website, became involved in two separate, yet brief relationships and defrauded them of approximately $27,000.00.   The investigation has revealed that the suspect would befriend the females for a period of time and gain their trust. The suspect would then access the victim's personal banking information and deposit fraudulent cheques, then withdrawing the funds via several ATM transactions.   The suspect continued his crime spree over a period of time consisting of a variety of thefts involving vehicles, stolen licence plates and other property.   Members of the Division 11 Crime Unit were notified and entered into an investigation.   On September 29, 2014, Kevin James ALDERTON, 37 years-old was arrested in the vicinity of the 400 block of Osborne Street.   Some of the offences he has been charged with due to his alleged involvement are as follows:   Fraud over $5000.00 Possess Property Obtained by Crime Theft over $5000.00 Possession of an identity document Fail to comply condition undertaking   He was remanded into custody.   The investigation is continuing by members of the Division 11 Crime Unit.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.

 

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Wednesday, October 1, 2014   MISSING PERSON – BRIAN HURST – R14-71306 The Winnipeg Police Service is requesting the public's assistance in locating a 61 year old male, Brian HURST.  HURST was last seen leaving his residence in Winnipeg on September 27, 2014 and was believed to be travelling to the Kenora area at that time.    HURST is described as Caucasian, 5'6" tall, 130 pounds, short brown/grey hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing a long sleeved yellow sweater, t-shirt, khaki shorts, and runners.   HURST also wears hearing aids. HURST was last seen driving his 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport, black, 2 doors with chrome trim, Manitoba License Plate GLA 603.                                 The Winnipeg Police Service is concerned for HURST'S well-being and is asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact The Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250.   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.