News Room Media Releases

	Search all Media Releases
	Search Options

Current Media Release | This Month's Media Releases

Archives | Search Media Releases

March Media Releases

March 1, 2010

Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
For Immediate Release

"Just Slow Down" Speed Reduction Campaign

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service continue their commitment to safe streets, through public education on the hazards of dangerous driving and, when necessary, enforcement.

On February 13, 2009, the WPS formally launched Phase One of JUST SLOW DOWN, a speed reduction initiative dedicated to reducing fatalities and injuries on Winnipeg streets.

JUST SLOW DOWN is a simple and direct message to all Winnipeg drivers to adopt safe driving habits, reducing speed not only to posted limits but also to speeds appropriate to road conditions, construction zones and other influencing factors.

Phase One of JUST SLOW DOWN included a series of television commercials and longer webisodes featuring individuals who have been personally or professionally affected by speed-related collisions. These are people who wanted to tell their own stories in the hopes of saving others from the tragedy of losing a loved one.

Phase Two takes a different approach with a dramatic and graphic depiction of a head-on collision as experienced by the occupants of the two separate vehicles. These two commercials will be broadcast on TV beginning today.

In addition to two, 30-second television commercials, we have created a longer two-minute mini-movie which will be available for viewing on our dedicated website: www.justslowdown.ca .

The Winnipeg Police Service is confident that the approach taken in Phase Two will help raise awareness of the tragic consequences of these horrifying collisions. Families are devastated. Lives are forever changed. In just an instant.

We hope to encourage citizens of Winnipeg to embrace the JUST SLOW DOWN movement, because even those people who choose safe driving habits at all times can have their lives destroyed through the actions of others. It is in the best interest of all those who use our streets and roadways to embrace and support this important message.

JUST SLOW DOWN rear-window, static-cling decals continue to be distributed free of charge at all Winnipeg 7-Eleven stores and are available at Winnipeg Police Service Centres.

Citizens are encouraged to voice their support and help to reduce speeding by placing the decal in their back windshields as a reminder to all motorists to JUST SLOW DOWN.

In addition, the JUST SLOW DOWN message will be displayed on Winnipeg Transit bus tails beginning today, as a further reminder of that simple message: JUST SLOW DOWN.

While the majority of Winnipeg motorists respect and abide by the posted speed limits, a number of drivers continue to make the conscious choice to speed. Others, distracted by the pressures of today's stressful world, may unconsciously travel at an unsafe speed.

We urge the Winnipeg driving public to join the vast majority of people who do not speed. JUST SLOW DOWN, and make that choice part of your daily driving routine. Imagine the injuries, fatalities and heartache we could prevent.

JUST SLOW DOWN � you may save a life.

Child Abuse Imagery Arrest

As a result of an ongoing international investigation, members of the Winnipeg Police Service Child Exploitation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the city of Winnipeg on February 25, 2010.

The search resulted in the seizure of computers, and various forms of electronic media storage devices from within the residence.

A 58 year old male was arrested in connection with the investigation and is facing charges of Possess Child Pornography. He was released on a Promise to Appear.

The investigation is continuing.

Theft and Assaults

On November 10, 2009, the Winnipeg Police Service released information regarding two robberies and a theft that occurred on November 7 in parking lots on McPhillips Street and Main Street.

The suspect fled in a vehicle and became involved in pursuit with Uniform members. Police ceased the pursuit due to public safety concerns and the suspect fled in the vehicle.

The subsequent investigation by the Division 13 Crime Unit has resulted in the arrest of 23 year old Bruce John LIGHTFOOT in connection with the incidents. He was charged with Robbery with Violence X 2, Theft Under $5,000.00, Flight from Police Officer and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and detained in custody.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

On February 28, 2010 at approximately 4:20 a.m., Emergency Services were dispatched to the area of St. Mary�s Road and Greenview Road as a result of a serious motor vehicle collision.

At this stage of the investigation, it appears that an 18 year old male driver was operating a pick-up truck southbound on St. Mary�s Road on the northbound shoulder, when he collided with a northbound pick-up truck being driven by a 20 year old male.

As a result of the collision, the 18 year old male driver succumbed to injuries sustained. The 20 year old male driver of the second vehicle received only minor injuries.

The investigation is continuing by members of the Central Traffic Unit.

Brandon Correctional Institute Riot - Arrests

On October 4, 2009, several inmates at the Brandon Correctional Institute allegedly participated in a riot within the facility.

As a result of an ongoing investigation by members of the Brandon Police Service, warrants were issued for the arrest of 4 individuals.

On February 26, 2010 members of the Winnipeg Police Service Street Crime Unit assisted the Brandon Police Service and arrested the following: Faron ROSS 31 years, Rene CAMERON 22 years, Victor Alexander RYLE 26 years and Charles Dominic COMEAU 26 years.

They have been charged with the following offences: