Over a span of two days, from April 7 to April 9, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service was kept on alert due to a series of commercial robberies. The incidents took place at various gas stations and convenience stores along Henderson Highway.
The same masked suspect, armed with a knife or indicating possession of one, threatened employees at these locations. The suspect demanded money and cigarettes, and in one instance, an employee was seriously assaulted.
The first incident occurred on April 7, around 6:30 p.m., at a gas bar located in the 900 block of Henderson Highway. The suspect stabbed an employee in their 20s and fled on foot with stolen merchandise. The victim was rushed to the hospital in unstable condition but was later upgraded to stable.
On April 9, the suspect struck again, this time at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Henderson Highway around 6:00 a.m. Merchandise was stolen, but the 19-year-old victim was not physically injured.
The suspect continued his crime spree later that morning, targeting a convenience store in the 1800 block of Henderson Highway around 9:15 a.m., and a fast food restaurant in the 1700 block around 9:20 a.m. In the first incident merchandise was stolen, but no physical injuries were reported.
Around 9:30 a.m., the suspect attempted to rob a gas station restaurant in the 1900 block of Henderson Highway. An employee tried to prevent the suspect’s entry by holding the door closed, but the suspect overpowered him and made off with money.
The suspect returned to the convenience store in the 1800 block of Henderson Highway, which he had previously robbed that morning, around 10:30 p.m. Money was stolen, but the victim in their 60s was not physically injured.
After leaving the last robbery, the suspect confronted a male in a grocery store parking lot in the 1700 block of Henderson Highway. He demanded the man’s property and attempted to assault him. A cruiser car patrolling the area intervened, and after a short foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect believed to be under the influence of methamphetamine drugs, was taken to the hospital. The Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation, and 22-year-old Aaron Braiden BEAUPRE of Winnipeg has been charged for his alleged involvement with 21 offences related to robbery, aggravated assault, and weapons. He is currently detained in custody. The investigation is ongoing.
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