One man is in custody, and another is wanted after an investigation into 13 break-ins, vehicle thefts and other property crimes across Winnipeg and Headingley.
Between April 20 and June 28, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to over a dozen incidents involving stolen licence plates, stolen vehicles, commercial break-ins, and thefts throughout Winnipeg and the RM of Headingley.
Officers determined that stolen vehicles and stolen licence plates were used during many of the crimes, and that the suspects frequently wore disguises to conceal their identities. Approximately $140,000 worth of property was stolen during the incidents, including trailers, lawn equipment, mechanical equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, and a vehicle.
Two suspects were identified, and both were wearing electronic monitoring bracelets during the incidents.
Suspect arrested
On Aug. 4, officers located the first suspect, a 35-year-old, driving in the 100 block of Clonard Avenue. Police attempted to stop the man, but he fled at a high rate of speed before fleeing on foot. He was arrested a short time after.
Later that day, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in the 100 block of Stranmillis Avenue and the 100 block of Strauss Drive. Property stolen during a break-in, as well as a rifle, ammunition, and a lock cutter, were seized.
The 35-year-old has been charged with 22 criminal code charges. He remains in custody.
Second suspect wanted
The second suspect, 41-year-old Jesse Troy Lafrniere, remains on the loose. An arrest warrant has been issued.
The Major Crimes Unit is asking anyone with information on Lafrniere’s whereabouts or anyone who may have dashcam, security, or cell phone video from around the time of the incident to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.