On August 10, 2026, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Traffic Division began an investigation after receiving information of a video depicting a white Ford Explorer that was in the parking lot of a commercial business in the 1-99 block of Sage Creek Boulevard on August 9, 2026, with active flashing red and blue lights in its rear window.
The Traffic Unit continued the investigation, and the driver of the vehicle was identified.
Officers met with the 17-year-old driver who admitted placing temporary red and blue flashing lights on the rear window using suction cups as a dare from his friends.
A preliminary examination of the vehicle revealed it to be an ex-police unit that had been properly decommissioned with no lights or marking that would indicate it being in active service.
A vehicle inspection on the vehicle was conducted and the tint on the front driver and passenger side windows were found to be in violation of the Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspection Regulation (VESI). A re-inspection and VESI ticket were issued.
The 17-year-old youth was educated on the consequences of operating a vehicle marked with emergency lighting that actively portrays it as an active police service vehicle.
The Winnipeg Police Service takes the representation of police vehicles very seriously. Any individual who modifies their personal vehicle for the purpose of actively deceiving the community can face serious consequences up to and including criminal charges.