Manitoba MLA Among Victims of Several Home Break-Ins as Suspect Is Arrested
Independent Manitoba MLA Mark Wasyliw was among several residents affected by a series of break-ins in Winnipeg’s Crescentwood neighbourhood on Saturday morning.
Wasyliw, who represents the Fort Garry riding, was asleep inside his home when he was awakened by a loud crash and the sound of breaking glass.
Flower Pot Thrown Through Living Room Window
After hearing the noise, Wasyliw went downstairs and discovered that a flower pot from his front yard had been thrown through his living room window.
He said a man had placed his head through the broken window and was speaking incoherently. The individual allegedly demanded alcohol before pointing toward objects in the dining room and ordering Wasyliw to hand them over.
Wasyliw then went upstairs to retrieve his phone and contact police. While he was away from the living room, he heard another crash as a piece of concrete was thrown through another window.
The suspect appeared to leave the property shortly afterward. As Wasyliw contacted police, he could hear additional glass breaking outside.
Six Homes and a High School Broken Into
Wasyliw was one of several people who called 911 about break-ins in the 100 block of Kingsway Avenue that morning.
Winnipeg police later determined that six homes and a high school had been entered after rocks and bricks were thrown through windows and glass doors.
In some incidents, residents were confronted and threatened by the suspect. Property was also stolen from some of the affected locations.
Investigators said the suspect did not know any of the victims, indicating that the properties appeared to have been selected at random.
Suspect Arrested With Broken Liquor Bottle
When officers arrived in the area, one of the victims flagged them down and directed them toward a man walking along the street.
Police alleged that the individual was carrying a broken liquor bottle. He dropped the bottle before officers arrested him without further incident.
No residents or other victims were physically injured during the break-in spree.
However, police estimated that the combined property damage caused during the incidents was approximately $25,000.
Multiple Charges Filed Against 35-Year-Old Man
The 35-year-old suspect was taken into police custody and charged with seven counts of breaking and entering.
He was also charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and failing to comply with the conditions of a release order.
The Saturday morning break-ins left several Crescentwood residents dealing with damaged windows, stolen belongings and an estimated $25,000 in property damage.
Although some residents were allegedly threatened, police confirmed that no one was injured. A 35-year-old man is now facing several charges in connection with the incidents.
