Winnipeg police have charged a 48-year-old man after a rash of robberies and attempted robberies dating back more than six months.
On June 14, the suspect filled his vehicle with gas in the 1800 block of Portage Avenue before allegedly taking off without paying.
Police believe the same man is responsible for incidents in recent days as well.
On Monday, the suspect visited a gas bar in the 800 block of Leila Avenue and requested cigarettes. He grabbed the merchandise and ran off without paying. Later the same day, police say he attended another gas bar in the 1300 block of McPhillips Street. Before he could make off with more cigarettes, an employee intervened and the man left empty-handed. No one was injured.
Two more incidents on Tuesday are similar in nature, with the suspect attempting to grab a donation box in the 1700 block of Portage Avenue. He left empty-handed after employees confronted him. A short time later, he requested cigarettes from a gas bar in the 1800 block of Portage Avenue, but was confronted by employees before he could take off. A brief struggle ensued, but no one was injured.
Police spotted the suspect vehicle soon after and gave chase. The suspect eventually lost control and crashed in the 600 block of Hamilton Avenue. He was not injured.
Jacob Charles Klipenstein, 48, of Winnipeg has been arrested and remains in custody.
— Staff
