A 35-year-old Winnipeg man is facing multiple charges following a series of rooftop HVAC thefts that caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to businesses and churches across the city.
Winnipeg police say the incidents occurred between January 22 and March 9, 2026, targeting numerous buildings where metal components were stripped from heating and cooling units.
The most significant damage was reported in the 1300 block of Gateway Road, where losses reached approximately $150,000. Other incidents across the city ranged from about $1,800 to $79,000 in damage.
Police allege a stolen 2011 Honda CR-V, taken from the 700 block of Sherbrook Street on February 6, was used in several of the thefts.
Officers identified Christopher Sawatsky as a suspect and say he visited scrap metal yards in and around Winnipeg at least 28 times to allegedly sell the stolen materials.
Sawatsky was arrested by Manitoba RCMP on Monday in St. Andrews and turned over to Winnipeg police.
He faces multiple charges, including theft over $5,000, mischief over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and additional warrant-related offences. He remains in custody.
