On January 16, 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) received a report of a vehicle stolen while it was left running in a parking lot in the North East part of the city.
On January 18, at approximately 3:00 p.m., General Patrol officers from the Central District observed what they believed to be this stolen vehicle travelling southbound on Garry Street past WPS Headquarters. Police followed the vehicle for a short distance until it stalled out. As the officers approached the vehicle, it fled west on St. Mary Avenue.
It continued to drive erratically, disregarding speed limits, traffic control devices, one-way directions and slippery road conditions.
General Patrol and Traffic Units flooded the Downtown area continuing to acquire and lose sight of the evading vehicle.
As the suspect vehicle fled northbound on Hargrave Street, it blew through a red light, striking a vehicle travelling eastbound on McDermot Avenue. Both vehicles collided with a traffic control standard, knocking it down, and rendering both vehicles inoperable.
Police pursued the suspect on foot, and he was taken into custody in the 300 block of William Avenue.
The lone occupant of the other vehicle was a male in his 60s. He was transported to hospital in stable condition. The accused was transported to hospital for precautionary measures and subsequently released. As a result of this collision, there was a road closure in the area for approximately two hours.
25-year-old Rick Edward FLETT, of Winnipeg, was charged with the following offences:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking x 2
- Drive without licence or with invalid licence (Highway Traffic Act)
He was detained in custody.