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GPS Alert Leads to Arrest and Weapon Seizure in Winnipeg
WINNIPEG – May 30, 2025 – Winnipeg Police arrested a 39-year-old man on May 28 after he was tracked entering a restricted area while under electronic monitoring conditions—raising serious public safety concerns.
Shortly before 10:00 p.m., the Manitoba Justice Electronic Monitoring Program notified the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) that the man, wearing a court-mandated GPS ankle bracelet, had violated the terms of his release by entering a zone prohibited under his conditions—specifically, near a preschool and playground.
Police responded swiftly. East District General Patrol officers located the individual walking on Higgins Avenue near Sutherland Avenue and arrested him at approximately 11:00 p.m.
Upon search, officers discovered various rounds of ammunition and a zip gun, an improvised homemade firearm. The suspect was immediately taken into custody.
He now faces a number of Criminal Code offences, including:
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Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (s. 91(1))
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Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (s. 88(1))
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Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition (s. 95(1))
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Failure to Comply with Release Order (s. 145(5)(a))
The accused remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Electronic Monitoring Tools Aid Enforcement
Deputy Chief Art Stannard of the WPS emphasized the importance of accountability in the justice system:
“Bail is part of the justice system; however, the Winnipeg Police Service is concerned with the number of people who choose to breach the conditions of their release. We appreciate that Manitoba Justice has launched the electronic monitoring program. We are hopeful that this tool will help hold people accountable to their release conditions. The public expects this.”
The Electronic Monitoring Program, operated by Manitoba Justice, is designed to monitor high-risk offenders in the community and prevent breaches before they escalate into violent incidents. In this case, the system performed as intended—promptly alerting authorities before potential harm occurred.
