The Winnipeg Police Service has made multiple firearm-related arrests in two separate incidents on March 18th, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence in the city.

The first incident occurred in the early morning hours, at approximately 6:45 a.m., when officers responded to a report of a male in possession of a firearm at a residence in the 500 block of Dufferin Avenue. Upon arrival, North District General Patrol officers witnessed two male suspects engaged in a heated verbal altercation with residents. As police approached, the suspects fled on foot, dropping a duffle bag containing a visible firearm.

A brief foot pursuit ensued, and both suspects were apprehended without incident. Inside the duffle bag, officers discovered a loaded sawed-off Winchester Ranger Model 120, 12-gauge shotgun, and a shotgun shell.

Investigators determined that one of the suspects had been involved in an earlier verbal dispute at the residence and had returned with another male. The dispute escalated, and the suspects allegedly produced the shotgun and discharged a round into the air before fleeing.

Jon Paul Thomas, 32, of Winnipeg, has been charged with:

• Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon, Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

Jeffery Jonathon Gumieny, 35, also of Winnipeg, faces the same charges for his alleged involvement, as well as an additional count of Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon, Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order. Both men were detained in custody.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., in an unrelated incident, Central District Community Support officers, conducting proactive patrols in the 500 block of Furby Street, an area known for gang and drug-related crime, heard a loud machine-drilling sound emanating from a storage room. Upon investigation, they observed a male in possession of .22 calibre bullets and a metal tube, believed to be components for a “zip gun.”

Stephen Michael Tyo-Hanslip, 28, of Winnipeg, was arrested and charged for his alleged involvement with Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon, Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order. He was also detained in custody.

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