The following is the Winkler Police Report for the period of April 3 to April 9, 2017, as submitted by the department.

Our Police Service opened 61 files for the week. Here are some of those files.

April 3rd:    Our office received a report from a woman who stated her elderly mother was the victim of mischief overnight.  She stated her mother heard a loud bang at her door at about 2:00 a.m., and that when she opened her door in the morning, a recycling box which had been leaned up against her door and partially filled with water, tipped into the house spilling the contents on the floor.  There are no suspects at this time.

April 3rd:    At approximately 1:00 p.m., officers received a report of a male walking along the rows of cars on the Superstore parking lot behaving suspiciously.  The caller provided a good description of the male and officers were able to locate him there.  The investigation determined the male to be 23 years of age and a resident of Altona. The male presented as being confused and disoriented, having trouble speaking.  He eventually stated he was high on crystal methamphetamine and another unknown substance which he had snorted.  He was taken into custody until the effects of the drugs had worn off, at which time he was released without charges.

April 3rd:    At approximately 1:20 a.m., a resident of Albert Street called to say he just exited his house to find two males trying to open the door to his vehicle.  The males were described as tall and slim, both carrying skateboards.  Officers searched the area but did not locate anyone.

April 4th:    A 31 year old male was arrested for possession of marijuana and as a result of that, for breaching his probation.  Officers observed the man riding a bicycle, carrying two large bags, prompting further investigation.  He will appear in court in Morden next month.

April 4th:    We are investigating an act of mischief after graffiti was found on the gazebo at 15th Street and Grandeur Avenue. Damage was done by carving profanity into the wood.

April 5th:    Officers on patrol shortly after midnight observed a vehicle weaving between the northbound lanes of Main Street and then make a wide turn onto the 7-11 parking lot where he came to a stop. The driver identified himself by way of a Manitoba Driver’s Licence. He stated he had only consumed two beers however investigators felt he was minimizing the amount as he presented as unsteady on his feet, with a strong odour of beverage alcohol on his breath and slurred speech.  He was arrested for impaired driving and subsequently produced results of 180 and 170 mg / %, which is more than double the legal limit.  The 25 year old male resident of Winkler is scheduled to appear in Morden Court to face charges of Impaired Driving and Driving Over .08.

April 5th:    Officers were called to the Ardeen Store in the Southland Mall by staff who advised they had several shoplifters in custody.  A male, age 18, was consequently arrested for theft under $5000.00.  A pair of pants valued at $34.50 was recovered still suitable for resale. The male was released from custody after being served an Adult Police Caution.

April 5th:    At approximately 10:24 p.m., officers received an anonymous tip regarding an impaired driver.  The caller provided a description of the vehicle including the licence plate number, which enabled officers to patrol towards the suspect’s residence. The suspect vehicle was spotted as she turned onto her driveway and followed to where she stopped.  There she got out of her vehicle and walked back towards the officers, clearly having difficulty staying balanced and upright.  This, coupled with a strong odour of liquor on her breath led officers to form the opinion that she was highly intoxicated by alcohol. She was arrested for impaired driving and transported to the office for breath testing.  The woman, who displayed a wide spectrum of emotions, continued with verbally abusive and irrational behaviour throughout.  She eventually provided two breath samples showing concentrations of 220 and 230 milligrams of alcohol in her blood, nearly 3 times the legal limit of 80. A search of her purse incidental to her arrest produced a quantity of marihuana.  She was released on a Promise to Appear the next day for a court appearance in Morden Court on May 9th.  She faces charges of Impaired Driving, Driving over .08 and Possession of a Controlled Substance.    

April 8th:    At approximately 12:15 p.m., a call was received from a Loss Prevention Officer at the Superstore advising that a female shoplifter had been apprehended however; she did not comply with his demands to return to the store and responded by walking away.  Officers attended to investigate and were able to determine the identity of the suspect.  The investigation then led officers to a residence in Plum Coulee where the suspect was located and arrested for theft under $5000.00.  The accused is a resident of Lac du Bonnet Manitoba and was here to visit a friend.  She was released on a Promise to Appear for May 23rd in Morden Court to a face a single charge of theft under $5000.00.

April 8th:    Shortly after 9:00 p.m., officers received an anonymous complaint regarding a male driving a lawn tractor on the road near the Parkland area.  Police were also advised that the male was holding his young son on his lap and that he was driving on and off the roadway.  Officers headed to the area and noted a garden tractor leave the roadway and proceed south on the sidewalk along Park Street. When the Police vehicle pulled up to the garden tractor and activated the emergency lights to stop it, the driver was observed throwing a beer onto the ground, and also that he was holding a small boy.  The driver identified himself and stated he was coming from the bar. He had difficulty standing and speaking, but was cooperative with officers.  A search of his person produced three unopened cans of beer.  He was placed under arrest for impaired driving and transported to the police office.  Breath testing produced two readings of 150mg/%.  Investigation also revealed that his driver’s licence was under suspension.  The man, age 41 and resident of Winkler, faces charges of Impaired Driving, Driving over .08, Driving while Disqualified, and Unlawful Transportation of Liquor in a Motor Vehicle. He was released to his wife who signed a release form accepting responsibility for him.

In conjunction with the Manitoba Public Insurance Distracted Driver Initiative, officers issued four charges for cell phone use while monitoring daytime traffic on Main Street and one charge of Driving While Disqualified.  Several other dates and locations are planned dedicating resources to this cause.  A conviction for distracted driving carries a fine of $203.80 and two demerits.

As well, officers dealt with and mediated numerous conflicts, several public assistance calls, and one suspected drug overdose.

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