Winnipeg police say one man has been arrested and charged after what investigators describe as a months‑long pattern of commercial break‑ins, vehicle thefts and related property crimes across the city and in the Rural Municipality of Headingley, with a second suspect currently the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant.
Investigation and arrests
Police say the incidents occurred in a series of 13 files between April 20 and June 28. Authorities estimate roughly $140,000 in property was taken, including trailers, lawn and mechanical equipment, motorcycles, bicycles and one vehicle.
Officers arrested Justin Hanson, 35, on Aug. 4 after an attempted traffic stop. Police allege Hanson fled the vehicle and ran on foot before being taken into custody. A search of a residence later that day turned up property believed to have been stolen in one of the break‑ins, along with a rifle, ammunition and a lock cutter, according to police.
Hanson faces 22 charges spanning break and enter, theft, possession of stolen property and weapons offences, and remains in custody. Police say allegations against him have not been tested in court.
Second suspect sought
Police have issued an arrest warrant for Jesse Lafreniere, 41, who is wanted on 23 Criminal Code charges related to the same series of incidents. He is described by authorities as a man about 5 ft. 11 and weighing 197 lb., with a medium build.
Investigators allege both suspects were wearing electronic monitoring bracelets during the offences and that they frequently used disguises. Police also say stolen vehicles and licence plates were used in a number of the incidents.
How the public can help
Winnipeg police are asking anyone with information about Lafreniere’s whereabouts to contact investigators directly or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers. The phone numbers provided by police are:
- Winnipeg Police: (204) 986‑6219
- Winnipeg Crime Stoppers (anonymous): (204) 786‑TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Number of incidents | 13 |
| Period | April 20–June 28 |
| Estimated value stolen | $140,000 |
| Charges against Hanson | 22 |
| Charges sought for Lafreniere | 23 |
Police allege the use of stolen licence plates and stolen vehicles to facilitate the offences, and that the suspects adopted disguises to hide their identities. A rifle and ammunition seized during the execution of search warrants remain part of the evidence described by investigators.
Authorities caution that the allegations laid out by police have not yet been proven in court. Further updates will depend on the progress of the Crown’s review and any additional investigative developments.
The investigation highlights concerns about repeat property offending and the use of tracking‑monitoring devices by individuals under supervision. Police did not provide information about whether the electronic monitoring devices were active or how they were being supervised.
Anyone with security camera footage or other evidence related to the 13 incidents is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service. Tips can assist investigators in confirming timelines, establishing vehicle movements and locating the outstanding suspect.
