On April 25, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to the 1100 block of Arlington Street for the report of an adult female who had been abducted.
General Patrol officers from the Central District attended and learned that the suspects had arranged a meeting with the 33-year-old victim to return a stolen vehicle. The suspects fled with the victim after she entered the vehicle, and police were contacted.
Members of the Auxiliary Cadet Unit observed the involved vehicle in the City’s downtown and advised the Communication Centre. Central District officers assisted by members of a Canine Unit (K9) attended and attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle fled after ramming both police vehicles. Officers reported no injuries.
Officers from the North District, assisted by the Flight Operations Unit (Air1), observed the vehicle operating in the North End. Air1 provided visual containment for units on the ground, who successfully used a tire deflation device (spike belt) in the 1600 block of Burrows Avenue. Officers arrested both suspects after a short foot pursuit. The victim was located inside the vehicle unharmed.
The Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and learned the two suspects and the victim were previously known to one another and that the suspects had forcibly stolen the vehicle from the victim on April 23. The suspects refused to return the vehicle to the victim unless a pre-determined amount of money was paid in exchange.
Ashley Jessica RUPERT, 30, of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following offences:
- Robbery
- Extortion
- Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon x 3
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer
- Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
Tara-Lynn LIGHTFOOT, 31, of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following offences:
- Robbery
- Extortion
Both were detained in custody.