The following letter was delivered to protest organizers earlier this afternoon.

Protest Update

Attention all persons in protest-related vehicles, trailers and tractors in the area of Broadway and Memorial

Between April 2021 and December 2021, the Winnipeg Police Service Organized Crime Unit, in conjunction with partnering agencies, entered into a firearms trafficking investigation called Operation Phoenix.

Twelve individuals were arrested for a variety of charges, including firearm and drug trafficking.

During the course of the investigation, officers seized an accuseds’ cell phone. Child Sexual Abuse Material was located on the phone during the analysis.

The deceased has now been identified as John Lloyd Maaba BARRION, 19.

As previously released:
On February 15, 2022, at approximately 3:10 a.m., emergency services personnel responded to a report of an injured male at a beer vendor located in the 1400 block of Notre Dame Avenue. The victim was transported to hospital in unstable condition, where he succumbed to his injuries.

On February 1, 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service became aware of a planned protest regarding public health mandates involving a truck convoy loosely modelled on the protest in Ottawa.

On February 14, 2022, at approximately 3:45 a.m., the Winnipeg Police Service responded to the report of a commercial robbery with a firearm at a convenience store in the 1600 block of Corydon Avenue.

A store employee reported a male and female entering the store. The male racked a handgun, pointed it at the clerk, demanded money and other items then fled on foot.

On February 15, 2022, Winnipeg Police Service Cadets were in a marked vehicle with emergency lights activated while blocking traffic on Sherbrook Street at Sargent Avenue. At approximately 1:00 a.m., the Cadet vehicle was broadsided by a Ford Expedition. The driver of the Expedition (and lone occupant) was determined to be impaired. He was taken into custody at the scene and faces charges related to the Impaired Operation of a Conveyance. Two Cadets were treated in hospital and released.

On February 15, 2022, at approximately 3:10 a.m., emergency services personnel responded to a report of an injured male at a beer vendor located in the 1400 block of Notre Dame Avenue. The victim was transported to hospital in unstable condition, where he succumbed to his injuries.

This investigation is continuing by members of the Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Earlier today, the Winnipeg Police Service deployed additional resources to the area of the Manitoba Legislative Building to keep the peace in response to conflicting protests.

The Winnipeg Police Service would like to thank all participants for their patience and support as we worked to ensure the protection of everyone involved – it is our priority to ensure public safety.

We also strive to balance the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the rights of the general public, local residents and businesses to a safe environment.

As previously released:

On February 9, 2022, at approximately 3:40 a.m., members of the Winnipeg Police Service responded to the 200 block of Garry Street, where two people were injured during a shooting.

Officers located an injured adult male and provided him with emergency medical care. He was transported to hospital in stable condition.

A second adult male was dropped off at a hospital and admitted in critical condition and has succumbed to their injuries.

Update:

The Winnipeg Police Service is aware of a series of protests planned for this weekend.

Discussions with the organizers of these events continue. We strive to balance the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the rights of the general public, local residents and businesses to a safe environment.

The Winnipeg Police Service role is to ensure public safety and to keep the peace.