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May Media Releases

May 7, 2010

Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
For Immediate Release

Winnipeg Police Service Selects its Police Helicopter

Winnipeg, MB – Committed to providing the Winnipeg Police Service with a crime-fighting tool utilized in many other major urban centres, Manitoba Minister of Justice and Attorney General Andrew Swan and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz announced today that Eurocopter Canada Limited has been awarded the contract to provide the Winnipeg Police Service helicopter.

The announcement follows careful examination of the costs and benefits of operating a police helicopter, and a formal bidding opportunity. A funding agreement between the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba makes it possible for the City to purchase and operate a police helicopter.

"The government of Manitoba is committed to investing in public safety,” said Attorney General Andrew Swan. “We are pleased to contribute to the addition of a police helicopter to the Winnipeg Police Service, addressing a key crime-fighting priority of the City of Winnipeg and the police."

"The flight operations unit will be a valuable resource for the Winnipeg Police Service as they serve and protect the citizens of Winnipeg," said Mayor Sam Katz. "We've worked hard at the civic level to do what we can to improve public safety, and we will continue to work with the senior levels of government to address the challenges of the justice system."

“This is an exciting day for the Service. The helicopter is going to be a vital part of our operations, and will help us respond more quickly and safely to crime in our city,” said Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill. “I am grateful to the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg for their investments in public safety.”

An EC-120B Colibri ("Hummingbird") has been selected. It has fast become to Canadian law enforcement air support what the Crown Victoria cruiser car is to general patrol operations.

Air support operations provide many benefits to police operations, including:

Increased public safety
Enhanced officer safety
Faster response times
Improved pursuit management and a reduction in the number of dangerous high-speed pursuits
Greater apprehension rates involving police pursuits or suspects fleeing crime scenes
Higher clearance rates on a variety of call types
Added deterrence and enforcement of traffic related issues (street racing/impaired driving)
Live aerial video feeds of incidents for Incident Commanders on the ground
Improved support for missing person searches involving broad search areas and difficult terrain
Fewer demands of on-the-ground resources by using aerial support to serve as a “force multiplier” (a tool that allows one officer to accomplish the work of many)
Greater police visibility in the community

The Flight Operations Unit will be staffed with a combination of police officers and civilian pilots. The aircraft maintenance will also be done by a civilian engineer/firm.

For more information:

Visit: http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/press/docs/wps_fou.pdf

For a video:

Visit:http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/press/docs/ec120police.mov

Winnipeg Police Service Dog Niko Passes Away Unexpectedly

The Winnipeg Police Service Canine Unit has a long history dating back to 1971, and Police Service Dogs continue to play a vital role in assisting all members of the Service in a variety of capacities.

On April 28th, 2010, PSD Niko was admitted and received medical care regarding a cracked abscessed tooth. It was during a routine procedure PSD Niko reacted negatively to the anaesthetic administered and passed away.

PSD Niko was a 6 year old female Belgian Malinois trained as a Specialty Explosive Detector Dog. She began her specialized training in 2005, and at the time of her passing, she was expected to remain an active member of the Service for the next 5 years.

Constable Dave Karsin and PSD Niko had been partners for the past 1 year.

Like all members of the Winnipeg Police Service, the Canine Unit strives for success and is committed to the citizens we serve.

Assault Police Officer Arrest

On May 6, 2010 at approximately 1:00 p.m., Uniform members, including members of the Tactical Support Team responded to the area of the 300 block of Church Avenue regarding a possible armed male.

Attending members learned that the suspect had just smashed the window of a passing vehicle and was walking toward a school in the area.

A short time later, officers located the suspect in the area of Church Avenue and Salter Street. Officers were able to apprehend the suspect at which time he became extremely combative. Numerous attempts were made to gain control of the suspect at which time two officers were assaulted. It was at this time, an electronic control device was deployed.

The suspect was eventually brought under control and placed under arrest. The male was transported to hospital in stable condition and eventually released.

A 20 year old male has been charged with the following offences: Obstruct/Resist Peace Officer, Assault Peace Officer x 2 and Fail to Comply with Condition of Recognizance.

He was detained in custody.

Homicide Arrest

As previously released, on May 4, 2010 at approximately 5:15 p.m., Uniform members were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of Preston Avenue regarding a sudden death investigation.

Upon arrival, members located an adult female deceased within the suite. She has since been identified as: Catherine GASTADOR, 23 years of Winnipeg.

An adult male has been arrested and is facing a charge of 2nd Degree Murder.

Additional information will be available once formal charges have been laid.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact members of the Homicide Unit at 986-6508 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).

Financial Robbery

On May 6, 2010 at approximately 1:50 p.m., Uniform members were dispatched to a financial institution located in the area of the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West regarding a robbery incident.

The investigation has revealed that a female suspect entered the business and confronted a bank teller and demanded money. An undisclosed amount of cash was relinquished at which time the suspect fled the area.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

The suspect is described as: Caucasian, female, 20-25 years of age, approximately 5’7” in height, 200 lbs., large build and blonde hair in a ponytail.

The investigation is continuing by members of the Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact investigators at 986-6219 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).

Commercial Break and Enter Arrest

Between April 18 and May 6, 2010, several businesses within the City had been subject to a break and enter where a vehicle was used to force entry and large quantities of merchandise were stolen.

The following businesses have been identified as:

Clothing Store – 1000 block of Keewatin Street
Clothing Store – 1000 block of Keewatin Street
Sporting Goods Store – 800 block of Dakota Street
Liquor Sore – 3000 block of Grant Avenue.
Electronic Store – 3000 block of Portage Avenue
Electronic Store – 2200 block of McPhillips Street

As a result of a lengthy investigation, four males allegedly involved have been identified and charged with the following offences:

Cecil John CAMERON, 26 years of Winnipeg – Break & Enter Commit Theft x 5, Break & Enter with Intent, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime x 2, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Police.

Kyle Robert GOOD, 21 years of Winnipeg – Break & Enter Commit Theft x 5, Break & Enter with Intent, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime x 3, Theft Over $5000.00, and Breach Probation.

Sheldon Gary SHORTING, 20 years of Winnipeg - Break & Enter Commit Theft, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime, Theft Over $5000.00, Breach Probation x 2.

Derek Paul RICHARD, 28 years of Winnipeg – Break & Enter Commit Theft, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime x 3, Theft Over $5000.00, Possess Controlled Drug.

It is estimated that the damage sustained to the businesses is $79,000.00. The estimated value of the stolen property is approximately $51,000.00.

Due to the efforts of all officers involved, approximately $30,000.00 worth of electronics and clothing have been recovered.

All four males have been detained at the Provincial Remand Centre.

Homicide Arrest

Please be advised that no further information will be released today regarding the homicide investigation which began on May 4, 2010 at a residence in the area of the 800 block of Preston Avenue.

Spring 2010 Crime Awareness Presentations

The Winnipeg Police Service Crime Prevention Unit Officers Constables McIntyre and Constable Strick will be presenting information on Crime Prevention Techniques in your Community at the upcoming Spring Crime Awareness Presentations. There will various presentations that include information regarding Neighbourhood Watch, Frauds and Scams, Personal Safety, E-Watch and Citizens on Patrol. A Manitoba Public Insurance representative will also be in attendance to demonstrate Speed Boards and answer questions with regards to vehicle speed safety. The presentations have been selected based upon feed back from the various Community groups throughout the city.

Presentations will be held at the following locations and commence at 7:00 pm with registration beginning at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, May 13th - St Norbert Recreational Centre, 3450 Pembina Highway

Monday, May 17th - Grant Park High, 450 Nathaniel Street (Jr. Gym)

Tuesday, May 18th - Maples Complex, 1330 Jefferson Avenue (Theatre)

Tuesday, May 25th - Dakota Collegiate, 661 Dakota Street (Theatre)

Thursday, May 27th - Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, 2665Ness Avenue (Cafeteria)

Tuesday, June 1st - Westminster United Church (Lecture Hall) N.W. Maryland Street & Westminster Avenue (Use Westminster Avenue doors)

Citizens who attend will receive a comprehensive 80 page Crime Prevention handbook, which is also available at our web site at www.winnipeg.ca/police. The Crime Prevention Section is dedicated to educating and working with the community to continue to make our city a safe place to live. The public are encouraged to attend these Crime Awareness presentations. This represents another stepping stone in continuing to build astrong mutual relationship between the citizens of Winnipeg and their Police Service.

The presentations are also listed under Crime Awareness Presentations on

The Winnipeg Police Service web site located at www.winnipeg.ca/police.