Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Commercial Robbery / Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision
Investigation Update - C15-246384
As previously released, on November 23, 2015, at approximately 1:20 a.m. members of the Winnipeg Police Service observed a vehicle suspected to be involved in a commercial robbery earlier in the evening, in the area of Empress Street and Portage Avenue. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, at which time it fled eastbound on Portage Avenue. Officers pursued, but due to its high rate of speed, they lost sight of the vehicle. A short time later the vehicle lost control and struck a building at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Good Street.
An adult female was transported to hospital in critical condition where she later succumbed to her injuries. An adult male fled the scene on foot but was located and arrested without incident a short distance away.
Investigation by members of the Major Crimes Unit revealed that the male had been involved four commercial robberies as well as a theft of gas. The female had been involved in the last three incidents. They include:
- November 22 – 2:30 a.m. – 1800 block of Portage Avenue
- November 22 – 5:45 a.m. – 500 block of Keenleyside Avenue
- November 22 – 11:55 p.m. – Theft of gas in the 6600 block of Roblin Boulevard
- November 23 – 12:25 a.m. – 500 block of Dale Boulevard
- November 23 – 1:15 a.m. – 1700 block of Portage Avenue
The female has been identified as Brandi Melissa MANNINGWAY, 27 years of Winnipeg.
Matthew Alexander BARTLETT, 30 years of Winnipeg has been charged with the following for his alleged involvement:
- Robbery with Weapon x 4
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose x 4
- Theft Under $5000.00
- Breach of Probation x 5
He was detained in custody.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba has been notified and continues to investigate.
Suspicious Activity Investigation – R15-88204
As reported in the media, on November 21, 2015, the Winnipeg Police Service received the report of suspicious activity.
The reporting person, an owner of a local photography studio, advised that he had received two phone calls; one from Saskatchewan, the other Ontario. Both indicated that a male, identifying himself as a representative of the photography studio, had contacted the victims via Facebook and attempted to solicit nude photographs from them. The male indicated that he would fly each of them, both female and less than 18 years of age, to Winnipeg for a further photo shoot.
The reporting person further advised that the studio employs only two people and in no way is this male connected to the company, nor would they ever make these types of solicitations.
The investigation is continuing by members of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit. Anyone with information regarding this matter or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact investigators at (204) 986-6172 or Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-TIPS (8477).
The Winnipeg Police Service would like to request that should you, or someone you know, receive this type of solicitation, to please report it immediately.
