Air 1, the Winnipeg Police Service helicopter (HANDOUT / FILE)
WINNIPEG — Air 1 had no problem getting in several flight hours over the long weekend, helping Winnipeg police arrest nine people in four separate stolen vehicle incidents.
Between Saturday and Monday, officers used the police chopper to help them locate the vehicles and arrest the parties responsible.
On Saturday, an employee at a group home had their SUV stolen at around 11:20 p.m.
Air 1 tracked the suspects to the area of Elgin Avenue and Kate Street and the two occupants fled on foot. A 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy — one of whom lived at the group home — were arrested and charged.
On Sunday, police also used Air 1 to help locate a women’s stolen SUV with the help of her iPhone. Two suspects were arrested and charged.
Also on Sunday, police were able to locate a stolen SUV that had been taken from a dealership on Century Street last Friday. Air 1 tracked the SUV as it came to a stop in a back lane in the 1200 block of College Avenue and the four occupants fled on foot. Three suspects were immediately taken into custody, however, one male continued to run and was taken into custody in the 1300 block of Mountain Avenue after a brief foot pursuit.
Police say during the pursuit, the SUV stopped and reversed into their cruiser.
Two 23-year-old men from Winnipeg, along with a 22-year-old woman and 25-year-old woman, face several charges.
Early Monday, police began tracking a stolen vehicle in the area of Logan Avenue and McPhillips Street. While attempting to stop it, the van’s driver lost control on Logan Avenue near Sherbrook Street and collided with a major Manitoba Hydro distribution line and a traffic signal control panel.
Inside the stolen van, officers located six shotgun shells. Five .22 calibre cartridges were later found on the suspect.
A 37-year-old Winnipeg man was arrested and charged.
