The following is the Winkler Police Service report for the period of October 17 to 23, 2016

Our police service opened 75 files during the past week.  The following are some of those files.

October 18th:    At approximately 1:33 a.m., members on patrol came across a white Ford 500 LTD parked on the east side of the Southland Mall. A lone occupant was observed sleeping in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and so officers stopped to check on his well being.  The man awoke after several attempts to get his attention, and was extremely confused when spoken to. He was placed under arrest under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act.  A search of the vehicle produced a rifle with a scope lying on the passenger seat along the center console. The rifle was identified as a pellet gun, and found to be loaded at the time.  The rear stock had been sawed off to shorten the overall length of the weapon.  A second weapon, a black Colt Defender replica handgun was located underneath the front seat and also found to be a loaded air pistol.  Background checks determined the man was bound by an undertaking dating back to 2014, with conditions to abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances, to abstain from possessing a firearm, and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.  The 34 year old resident of Winkler was released on a Promise to Appear in Morden court to face three charges of breaching an undertaking.

The custodian for the Winkler Elementary school called to report damage to a bench and also to the steps on the play structure.  Suspects have not been developed in this matter.

October 19th:    At approximately 1:02 a.m., a resident of Willow Drive called to report a single vehicle accident had just occurred in front of his home.  He went on to say that a Honda Civic had just struck a parked car and the young male driver was still on scene.  Officers arrived at the scene within minutes and were immediately approached by a young male who stumbled forward and identified himself as the driver. He handed officers a homemade drug bong containing burnt marihuana residue. Officers observed that the young man was unsteady on his feet, mumbled when he spoke and smelled heavily of freshly burnt marihuana. As a result he was arrested for Impaired Driving and Possession of a Controlled Substance.  More drug evidence was located upon the search of his person and also from his vehicle.  The young man stated he was not injured and did not require medical attention.  Both vehicles were deemed inoperable and towed from the scene.  The 18 year old resident of Winkler was released on a Promise to Appear for a December 13th court appearance in Morden.  Officers then provided him with a ride home where he was turned over to a sober adult.  As history would have it, the accused was given a formal police caution just nine days previous for marihuana possession.

October 20th:     A resident of Alder Street reported her vehicle vandalized during the night after finding a deep scratch spanning the length of a quarter panel.  

October 22nd:    A resident of Pembina Avenue East reported his truck rummaged through and also that the culprit had cut the seat in several places.  There are no suspects in either one of the last two incidents.

October 23rd:    At approximately 8:42 p.m., officers received a call from a motorist reporting a suspected impaired driver.  The caller, who stayed on the line while following the suspect, observed it driving all over the road until officers intercepted it.  Officers followed the suspect vehicle for a short distance and determined that the vehicle registration had expired. The vehicle was stopped and both occupants charged under the Highway Traffic Act. The driver, a 16 year old female, initially lied about her name and date of birth hoping to avoid being charged for driving without a licence.  She was charged for making a false statement, and for driving without a licence.  The passenger and owner of the vehicle was charged in relation to the vehicle being operated while unregistered.  The vehicle was towed and impounded.

At approximately 8:46 p.m., officers received a call from a male who requested assistance at his home to deal with a dispute between himself and his wife.  The investigation determined that an argument ensued after the caller’s common-law spouse uncovered evidence on his phone that he was researching how to obtain sole custody of their two small children.  The argument turned into a physical fight for possession of the phone resulting in minor injuries to both. Both were arrested and charged for spousal assault. Each was released on an undertaking to have no contact or communication with the other.  

As well this week, thefts from unlocked vehicles were reported on Red Robin Lane, Albert Street and Southview Drive.

Complaints were also received for noise complaints, suspicious persons and harassing telephone calls.

For up-to-date information and tips, etc, find us on Facebook at Winkler Police Service and @winklerpolice on Twitter.