On December 13, 2024 at approximately 11:35 p.m., patrolling East District General Patrol officers observed a stolen 2013 grey Toyota Corolla being operated by a lone driver near Harbison Avenue West and Brazier Street. The vehicle had previously been reported stolen from the 200 block of Watt Street on December 8.
Officers requested additional units, including North District General Patrol and the Flight Operations Unit (Air1). Air1 maintained visual containment of the fleeing vehicle in the Glenelm, Elmwood, Talbot-Grey, and East Kildonan-Transcona neighbourhoods and provided direction to the ground units.
The vehicle continued until it came to a stop at Werrell Crescent and Tu-Pelo Avenue where the suspect fled on foot. Officers arrested him in the first 100 block of Ravenhill Road, after a short foot pursuit. Air1 also provided direction to officers who recovered keys to the stolen vehicle that had been discarded by the suspect while he fled.
During the approximately twenty-five (25) minute follow, the vehicle was observed driving in a manner dangerous to the general public. No damages or injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and also identified the driver as a suspect involved in the following Break & Enter and Theft incidents within the city:
- September 11 and 15: The suspect broke into an apartment leasing office in the 200 block of Peguis Street and stole documents, identification, and property valued at approximately $800.
- October 31: The suspect stole a 2009 Honda Civic from a residence in the 200 block of Victoria Avenue East. The vehicle was subsequently located unoccupied on November 3 in the first block of Henrietta Street.
- November 21: The suspect entered an apartment building in the 100 block of Roch Street and broke into common areas of the building. Nothing was reported stolen.
- November 21: The suspect entered an apartment building in the 100 block of Roch Street and broke into common areas of the building. Nothing was reported stolen.
- December 10: The suspect entered an apartment building in the 800 block of Panet Road and broke into a mechanical room, stealing various tools. Damages and stolen property were valued at approximately $2,500.
Joshua PAUL, 35, of Winnipeg has been charged with the following offences:
- Flight while Pursued by Peace Officer
- Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
- Drive Suspended/Disqualified
- Resist Peace Officer
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Possession of Break-In Instruments
- Break Enter & Theft – Place x 3
- Break & Enter with Intent – Place x 2
- Fail to Comply with Conditional Sentence Order
- Warrant (Endorsed- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000)
- Warrant (Unendorsed – Allegation of Non-Compliance of Conditional Sentence Order)
PAUL was detained in custody.