On December 14, 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Sex Crimes Unit charged a 34-year-old male, Beau Joseph NORMAND of Winnipeg, with the following offences, and he was detained in custody.
- Sexual Assault x 2
- Assault
- Forcible Confinement x 4
- Uttering Threats
Detectives in the Sex Crimes Unit were investigating four similar reports involving a suspect who entered four fast-food restaurants, locked the female employees inside, preventing them from leaving, and uttered threats of a sexual nature.
On November 21, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an adult female employee was working at a fast food restaurant in the 600 block of William Avenue; no other patrons were present. An unknown male entered the store, uttered sexual comments to the employee and locked the front door. As the victim tried to escape, the accused jumped over the counter and chased her. She eventually ran to safety, and the suspect fled the area.
On December 8, 2022, at approximately 10:45 a.m., an adult female employee was working at a fast food restaurant in the 300 block of Graham Avenue. An unknown male entered and requested to use the washroom. He uttered sexually explicit comments to the employee and locked the front door, preventing her from leaving. She screamed, saying she was calling police, and the suspect fled the store.
On December 10, 2022, at approximately 11:45 a.m., an adult female employee was working at a fast food restaurant in the 200 block of Kennedy Street; no other patrons were present. An unknown male entered the store, locking the door behind him and cornered the victim at the back of the store. As she tried to escape, the suspect grabbed hold of her arm, but she activated a panic alarm, and the suspect fled out the back.
On December 11, 2022, at approximately 5:30 p.m., an adult female employee was working at a fast food restaurant in the 1800 block of Main Street; no other patrons were present. An unknown male entered the store and made a sexual comment to the employee. After using the washroom, he uttered threats to harm the employee. The suspect chased the victim around the store and locked the front door, preventing her from leaving. She managed to phone for help, and the suspect fled.
The victims (all in their 20s) escaped without physical injury. With the assistance of CCTV surveillance, the investigators identified a suspect.
On December 14, at approximately 12:30 p.m., while in the 800 block of Main Street, Foot Patrol officers from the North District recognized the suspect. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Sex Crimes Unit.
This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information or who wishes to speak to an investigator can call the Sex Crimes Unit at 204-986-6245.