In December 2022, The Major Crimes Unit continued its investigation into multiple Commercial Break & Enter incidents involving the accused in various parts of the city. The incidents involved the theft of high-valued property with an estimated total exceeding $140,000.
Through their investigation, investigators learned of the following information:
On November 5, 2022, a suspect attended a business in the 1100 block of Chevrier Boulevard, operating a stolen 2001 Dodge Ram and accessed sheds on the premises. The suspect fled without property.
On November 6, a suspect attended a business in the 100 block of Melnick Road operating the stolen 2001 Dodge Ram and stole the following property:
- 2015 Lund Crossover Boat valued at approximately $33,000
- 2015 Shoreland’r Trailer valued at approximately $2,500
- 2007 Shoreland’r Trailer valued at approximately $2,000
- 2022 Tebben Trailer valued at approximately $4,000
- John Deere 1025R Tractor valued at approximately $10,000
- John Deere 60” Lawn Mower Attachment valued at approximately $500
- John Deere Front End Loader Attachment valued at approximately $500
On December 2, a suspect attended a business in the 3900 block of Portage Avenue operating the stolen 2001 Dodge Ram and stole the following property:
- ZZZ Flat Bed Trailer loaded with:
- 1996 Toyota Tacoma
- Trailer and vehicle valued at approximately $10,000
Between December 16 and December 17, a suspect attended a business in the first 100 block of Melnick Road, broke into a shed, obtained keys to a vehicle parked on the premises, and stole the following property:
- 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD valued at approximately $5,000
- 2018 Aluma Utility Trailer loaded with:
- 2016 Ski-Doo Grand Touring LE 900
- 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade 600 Ace x 2
- Trailer and Ski-Doos valued at approximately $30,000
On December 18, a suspect attended to the first 100 block of Creek Bend Road operating the stolen 2005 Chevrolet Silverado HD and broke into a storage unit. A security guard intervened, and the suspect fled.
Between December 18 and December 19, a suspect attended to the first 100 block of Melnick Road and accessed the property by cutting a gate lock. The suspect stole the following property:
- 2022 Northstar Utility Trailer loaded with:
- John Deere 737 Ride-on Lawn Mower
- 2015 John Deere Gator 4x2
- Trailer and utility vehicles valued at approximately $45,000
Investigators linked the accused, Ante MILAS, 40, of Winnipeg, to all the abovementioned incidents.
On December 22, assisted by East District General Patrol and Community Support Unit officers, the Major Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at the accused’s residence in the 2400 block of Wenzel Street in East St.Paul, MB.
MILAS, who had since been released through a bail hearing, was placed under arrest at his residence without incident. He is charged with the following additional offences:
- Break, Enter & Commit – Place x 3
- Break & Enter with Intent – Place x2
- Theft Over $5,000 x 2
He has been detained in custody.
The Winnipeg Police Service reminds the public to register and record serial numbers of vehicles and trailers, including powersports and leisure products. The documentation facilitates investigations in identifying victims and substantiating property theft charges. In addition, documentation of property increases the chances of the return of property to its rightful owners.
The Major Crimes Unit continues the investigation. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crimestoppers at 204-786-TIPS or 204-786-8477.
As previously released:
On December 19, 2022, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles in the Sage Creek neighborhood.
Officers from the East and West Districts learned a lone suspect operating a 2001 Dodge Ram towing a trailer had attended to a commercial property and attempted to steal a skid steer utility vehicle. An on-site employee interrupted the theft and followed the suspect as he fled in the vehicle. During the escape, the suspect rammed the employee’s vehicle damaging both in the process. The suspect eventually stranded the vehicle in the snow near Robert Bockstael Drive and Siskin Bay.
The suspect fled on foot through a field as officers contained the area. A short foot pursuit ensued, and officers reached the uncooperative suspect, who resisted arrest. During the ensuing use-of-force encounter, an officer deployed a conductive energy weapon resulting in the safe arrest of the suspect. The suspect was transported to hospital and medically cleared.
Through their investigation, officers learned the 2001 Dodge Ram and trailer were both previously reported stolen between November 5th and November 8th in separate incidents.
The Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and linked the suspect to a Commercial Break & Enter in the 600 block of Provencher Boulevard on October 15th.
Ante MILAS, 40, of Winnipeg, is charged with the following offences:
- Break & Enter with Intent – Place (C22-239744 refers)
- Theft Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 x 2
- Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
- Assault with a Weapon
- Resist Peace Officer