On February 16, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., North District General Patrol officers of the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a retail business located in the 2300 block of McPhillips Street for the report of a male with a firearm.
Officers were dispatched to the location, where they met Loss Prevention Officers who turned over two males they had placed under arrest. A loaded firearm seized from one of the suspects was also turned over and secured by officers.
Through their investigation, officers learned that the suspects attended the business, where Loss Prevention Officers (LPOs) observed one of the suspects stealing merchandise. The suspect attempted to leave the store, making no attempt to pay for the merchandise; however, he was apprehended by LPOs. The suspect was brought to a secure holding room while security dealt with the second suspect.
The second suspect became aggressive with LPOs, escalating to a physical struggle. While being handcuffed, the suspect verbally threatened the LPOs and indicated he was in possession of a handgun. The suspect was safely handcuffed, and a loaded handgun was found on his person.
While in police custody, the first suspect identified himself using a name other than his own in an attempt to conceal his identity.
The following items were seized as evidence by officers:
- Loaded 9mm 3D printed handgun
- Magazine with 9mm ammunition
- Approximately $3,700 in currency
- Approximately 180 -5mg Oxycodone tablets (Estimated Street Value = $1,440)
- Approximately 76 g of Methamphetamine (Estimated Street Value = $3,800)
- Approximately 138 g of Down (Estimated Street Value = $20,700)
Gordon William KOVICH, 32, of Winnipeg is charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of a Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x 3
- Carry Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition x 3
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Oxycodone
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl and/or Heroin
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Fail to comply with Probation Order
- Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order x 4
- Utter Threats – Cause Death or Bodily
- Theft Under $5000
He was detained in custody.
A 30-year-old male from Winnipeg is facing the following charges:
- Identity Fraud – Intent to avoid Arrest, Prosecution or Obstruct Justice
- Warrant (Fail to Attend Court – Release Order)
- Theft Under $5000
He was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.