On May 9, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to the report of consecutive robberies by a male suspect brandishing a firearm at two Notre Dame Avenue businesses.
Attending Central District General Patrol officers, with the assistance from the Tactical Support Team, located the suspect male hiding in a surface lot in the sub-100 block of Myrtle Street and arrested him without incident. A search of his property produced an imitation Micro Uzi airsoft pistol and a machete, which were both seized as evidence.
Through their investigation, officers linked to the suspect to the following incidents which occurred shortly prior:
- At approximately 6 p.m., the suspect attended a hotel lounge in the 1400 block of Notre Dame Avenue, produced the firearm and stole a bottle of vodka from the bar. The suspect fled before police arrived.
- At approximately 6:55 p.m., the suspect attended a fast-food restaurant in the 1100 block of Notre Dame Avenue and demanded money from employees while brandishing the firearm. He fled on foot empty-handed before police arrived.
- At approximately 7:00 p.m., the suspect entered a taxi parked in a surface lot in the sub-100 block of McPhillips Street while brandishing the firearm. The suspect entered the driver seat of the taxi after he operator exited to safety. The suspect stole a hand-held debit machine and fled on foot after unsuccessfully attempting to steal the vehicle.
No injuries were reported as a result of these incidents.
Jerimey Nathaniel Justin HARPER, 29, is charged with the following offences:
- Robbery x 3
- Use of Imitation Firearm During the Commission of an Indictable Offence x 3
- Possession of a Weapon x 2
- Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Service or Ammunition x 2
HARPER was detained in custody.