The Winnipeg Police Service has reported a series of robberies that took place from December 2023 to February 2024, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old male suspect on April 16, 2024.
The first incident occurred on December 12, 2023, when the suspect approached a woman at a discount store on Pembina Highway, asking for bus fare. When the woman opened her purse, the suspect grabbed it and fled, later using her credit card to make transactions totalling over $4500.
A similar incident was reported on December 28, 2023, at a drug store also located on Pembina Highway. The suspect asked another woman for bus fare, pushed her, and stole her purse when she began to look for change. The victim fell to the ground during the incident, and the suspect later used her credit card to make purchases totalling over $800.
On February 11, 2024, the same suspect returned to the drug store on Pembina Highway, where he approached another woman, asked for bus fare, and fled with her wallet.
Further investigations revealed two additional robberies in February 2024, one at a discount store on Ellice Avenue and another at a mall on Corydon Avenue. The victims of these robberies have yet to be identified.
The 26-year-old male suspect was arrested and is facing three charges of robbery and two charges of fraud under $5000. He was released as mandated by the Criminal Code.
The Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate these incidents. Anyone wishing to speak to investigators can call 204-986-6219 or Winnipeg Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477.
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