In a late-night operation on May 7, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Central District made a significant arrest following a vehicle pursuit. The incident began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle at the intersection of Disraeli Freeway and Logan Avenue, suspecting it was being driven by someone other than the registered owner.
The driver, however, had other plans and immediately fled the scene, prompting a pursuit. Air1, the police helicopter, was instrumental in maintaining visual containment of the fleeing vehicle, which was later found abandoned in the 300 block of Ottawa Avenue.
The suspect, seen fleeing from the vehicle with a backpack, was apprehended after a brief foot chase, guided by Air1. A subsequent search of the backpack and the vehicle yielded a cache of illegal substances and items, including a spring-loaded collapsible baton, approximately 615 grams of methamphetamine (estimated street value: $24,600), around 158 grams of fentanyl (estimated street value: $23,500), roughly 2.5 grams of crack cocaine (estimated street value: $200), and approximately $2,600 in Canadian funds. Packaging materials were also found among the seized items.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been stolen but had not yet been reported as stolen by the registered owner. The suspect was also found to be a disqualified driver and was named in a warrant of arrest for being unlawfully at large.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jacques Joseph Girardin of Winnipeg, now faces multiple charges for his alleged involvement. These include flight while being pursued by a peace officer, possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized, theft of a motor vehicle, driving while suspended/disqualified, possession of a scheduled substance (cocaine), possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking (methamphetamine and fentanyl), and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Girardin has been detained in custody pending further proceedings.
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