A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder badge is seen at the Public Information Office in Winnipeg, on September 2, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
A 17-year-old boy is facing dozens of charges after a police chase in St. Boniface and an investigation into a string of vehicle thefts across southeast Winnipeg.
Winnipeg police say officers spotted a stolen 2013 Nissan Rogue around 8:45 a.m. on March 11, travelling on Elizabeth Road near Lagimodiere Boulevard. Police followed the vehicle south on Lagimodiere and west on Fermor Avenue before attempting to stop it.
During the attempted stop, the SUV rammed two police vehicles and ran over a tire deflation device before fleeing. The heavily damaged vehicle was later found abandoned on Cypress Bay, and officers arrested the suspect on nearby Gatineau Bay after a brief foot chase. A folding knife the youth had discarded was recovered. No injuries were reported.
Investigators say the arrest was part of “Project Lancer,” a joint effort involving multiple units.
Police allege the youth is connected to numerous vehicle thefts in southeast Winnipeg between December 2025 and March 2026, involving more than a dozen vehicles.
A search warrant at the teen’s home led to the seizure of vehicle keys and clothing matching surveillance footage.
The youth faces 68 charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle, flight from police, assaulting police officers with a weapon, carjacking, 16 counts of motor vehicle theft and 36 counts of failing to comply with a release order. He remains in custody.
