Arson Investigation – Public Assistance: C23-203135

Released: August 26, 2023 at 4:46 p.m.

Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

The Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating three recent fire-related incidents in the Elmwood neighbourhood during the past week.

- On August 22, 2023, at approximately 1:45 a.m., East District General Patrol officers responded to a working fire at a church in the 400 block of Tweed Avenue.

- On August 22, 2023, at approximately 2:10 a.m., East District General Patrol officers responded to a working fire to an outdoor shed in the 300 block of Harbison Avenue West.

- On August 23, 2023, at approximately 5:00 a.m., East District General Patrol officers responded to a working fire at the same church in the 400 block of Tweed Avenue.

Members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) brought all three fires under control, however, the damage to the church resulted in a complete structural loss. No injuries were reported in the incidents. The WFPS reported the fires to police and advised the Major Crime Unit, who assumed the investigations as possible Arsons.

Through their investigation, investigators identified a suspect believed to have deliberately set all three fires in the abovementioned incidents.

The suspect is described as follows:

- A white male, approximately 45-55 years of age
- Approximately 5’7 to 5’11 in height
- Average build
- Balding with a full grey/black beard


Suspect photographs:

Arson Suspect

 

The Major Crimes Unit requests public assistance in identifying the suspect involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6219, Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477) or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

 

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.