The Winnipeg Police Service headquarters is pictured in Winnipeg, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert)
Winnipeg police have arrested a second man following a series of thefts and break-ins across the city and in the RM of Headingley.
Between April 20 and June 28, police responded to 13 incidents involving stolen licence plates, stolen vehicles, commercial break-ins and thefts across Winnipeg and the RM of Headingley.
Investigators say stolen vehicles and licence plates were used in many of the offences, and suspects frequently wore disguises to conceal their identities. Property valued at approximately $140,000 was stolen, including trailers, lawn equipment, mechanical equipment, motorcycles, bicycles and a vehicle.
On August 4, investigators identified two suspects believed to be involved: Justin Andrew Hanson, 35, and Jesse Troy Lafreniere, 41. Both were wearing electronic monitoring bracelets during the incidents.
Officers located Hanson the same day, driving a vehicle in the 100 block of Clonard Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. He allegedly sped away, abandoning the vehicle on foot and was arrested shortly after.
Later that day, investigators executed search warrants at residences in the 100 block of Stranmillis Avenue and the 100 block of Strauss Drive, seizing property stolen during a break-in, along with a rifle, ammunition and a lock cutter.
Hanson has been charged with 22 offences and remains in custody.
An arrest warrant for Lafreniere was issued earlier this week, and officers tracked him down on Tuesday in the city’s northeast area. Following a brief foot chase, he was taken into custody and has been charged with 25 offences related to break and enter, theft, possession of stolen property, failing to comply with conditions of court orders and possession of a controlled substance.
