In late September 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit entered an investigation regarding three elderly females violently robbed of their purses in various parts of the city.
On September 20, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the male suspect approached a 79-year-old female victim in the 500 block of Kenaston Boulevard and robbed her of her purse and contents at knifepoint. The suspect used the knife to cut the purse strap to steal it from the victim before he fled in a nearby vehicle. The victim was uninjured.
The suspect subsequently used the victim’s credit card at three gas stations and two motels.
On September 22, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the male suspect approached a 66-year-old female victim in the 400 block of McPhillips Street and robbed her of her purse and contents. She suffered no injuries, and the suspect fled in a vehicle.
On September 26, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the male suspect approached a 79-year-old female victim in the 600 block of Cambridge Street and robbed her of her purse and contents. She suffered no injuries, and the suspect fled on foot.
The suspect subsequently used the victim’s stolen debit and credit cards at a restaurant, gas station, and motel.
Through their investigation, the Major Crimes Unit identified a male suspect.
On September 27, at approximately 5:15 p.m, North District General Patrol members located the suspect in his vehicle and placed him under arrest without incident.
The victims and the suspect were not previously known to one another.
A 50-year-old male from Winnipeg is facing the following charges:
- Robbery x 3
- Fraud Under $5,000 x 9
Constable Jay Murray, Public Information Officer
Constable Dani McKinnon, Public Information Officer
Constable Claude Chancy, Public Information Officer
Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs
Office: 204-986-3061
E-mail: WPS-PIO@winnipeg.ca