Breach of Peace – Arrests: C22-230050

Update:

On October 4, 2022, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service arrested and charged five additional individuals for Obstruct Peace Officer and Occupy Tent or Portable Structure in Legislative Precinct after they failed to vacate the north encampment of the Legislative grounds.

• A 45-year-old female, Trina Maggie FRANCOIS
• A 43-year-old male, Daniel Lawrence JONES
• A 50-year-old male, Philip Michael MCLELLAN
• A 50-year-old male, Gregory Thomas PITTMAN
• A 54-year-old male, Owen Lee HALL

While dismantling the encampment the following items were seized:

• Axes x 3
• Hammer
• Hatchet
• Body armour
• 3 foot club
• Spear
• Machete

As previously released:

This afternoon, the Winnipeg Police Service provided a safe work environment for Manitoba Legislative Security Officers to dismantle the structures located on the north grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Yesterday, police were on-site in response to information that occupants were bringing in building materials to expand the north camp’s footprint by building a new tipi.

Poles were laid on the ground forming a border to delineate their claimed space. Legislative Security Officers and police advised participants to cease bringing in the materials as it was contrary to The Legislative Security Act. Despite verbal warnings, the group formed a long human chain, preventing officers from carrying out their duties and providing cover for the individuals bringing in materials such as wooden poles 30 feet in length.

Subsequently, seven adults were arrested and charged with the following offences:

- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Deposit Items in Legislative Precinct That Support Extended Stay

A 27-year-old male, Tyler DEMARCHUK
A 34-year-old male, Patrick NEILEN
A 45-year-old male, Aaron Lee DUMAS
A 55-year-old male, Eduardo Alberto BARAHONA
A 35-year-old female, Krystal Lisa Kerriann JENSEN
A 36-year-old female, Monique CUSSON
A 39-year-old female, Ashley CATCHEWAY

The Winnipeg Police Service recognizes and honours that today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ (MMIWG2S+). The Winnipeg Police and Manitoba Government officials made the decision to dismantle the camp today as a result of escalating threats of bodily harm, the indication of weapons and aggressive behaviour by north camp occupants.

An assembly to honour the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+ at the Legislative Grounds was able to proceed without interruption.

Once the MMIWG2S+ assembly dissipated, police cleared participants from the north camp to enable Manitoba Government officials to safely and without interruption de-commission the north camp in its entirety.

Weapons were located at the site.