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Winnipeg Police Service

September 12, 2019

Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
For Immediate Release

Community Notification — High-Risk Sex Offender

The Manitoba Integrated High-Risk Sex Offender Unit (MIHRSOU) is a joint forces unit of the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP. MIHRSOU today provides information regarding Winston George THOMAS, 42 years of age, a convicted sex offender who is considered high risk to re-offend in a sexual and/or sexually violent manner against all females, both adults and children.

 THOMAS will be released from Headingley Correctional Centre, Manitoba on September 11, 2019, after serving sentences for Breach of Probation Order, Resist Arrest and Theft. THOMAS is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg.

Upon release, THOMAS will be subject to supervised probation until December 13, 2020. He will also be subject to a lifetime weapons prohibition order.

THOMAS has a history of sexual and violent offences and numerous breaches of probation order and recognizances. Although he participated in some treatment programming in the past, THOMAS is still considered high risk to re-offend in a sexual and/or sexually violent manner. All females, both adults, and children are at risk.

Background information:
Winston George THOMAS is a 42-year-old male with a lengthy criminal record including convictions for sexual assault, break enter and commit sexual assault, aggravated assault, assault, assault peace officer, Resist Arrest and numerous breaches of probation and recognizance orders.

THOMAS’ conviction for sexual assault in 2008 was committed against a 13-year-old female. He was sentenced to 2 years less one day (in addition to one-year pre-sentence custody) and supervised probation for three years. In 2006, THOMAS was convicted of sexual assault involving an adult female. He was sentenced to two months (in addition to 3.5 months of pre-sentence custody). In 2003, THOMAS was convicted of break enter and commit sexual assault in which he broke into the female victim’s residence and sexually assaulted the victim. THOMAS was sentenced to 14 months (in addition to 5 months pre-sentence custody) and 3 years supervised probation. THOMAS has also been convicted of aggravated assault, assault, and assault peace officer.

 THOMAS will be released from Headingley Correctional Institution, Manitoba on September 11, 2019.

Upon release, THOMAS will be subject to supervised probation order until December 13, 2020, which includes conditions that:

  • prohibit the consumption of alcohol, non-prescription drugs, and other intoxicants;
  • impose a daily curfew of 11:00 pm – 7:00 am and require compliance with curfew checks;
  • require that he attend, participate and complete all assessments, treatments, programming, and counselling as directed by probation officer; and
  • prohibit owning, possession or carrying a weapon.

THOMAS is also subject to a lifetime weapons prohibition order.

While incarcerated, THOMAS participated in some sex offender programming but is still considered a high risk to re-offend in a sexual and/or sexually violent manner against all females, both adults, and children.

THOMAS is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

This information is provided to enable members of the public to take suitable measures to protect themselves. Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at Winston George THOMAS will not be tolerated.

If you have information about Mr. THOMAS, please call the Manitoba Integrated High-Risk Sex Offender Unit at (204) 984-1888. You may also contact the Winnipeg Police Service at (204) 986-6222, your local RCMP Detachment, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477 or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477. For media inquiries, please contact the Winnipeg Police Service Public Information Officer at (204) 986-3061.

This information is also displayed on the Manitoba Justice Sex Offender Website: www.gov.mb.ca/justice/notification
www.winnipeg.ca/police/TakeAction/docs/brochure/personal_safety_sexual_assault.pdf
www.winnipeg.ca/police/TakeAction/docs/brochure/streetproffing_children.pdf

Shooting – Investigation: C19-214377

Members of the Major Crimes Unit are investigating a shooting that occurred overnight behind the old St. Regis Hotel in the 200 block of Smith Street.

On September 12, 2019, at approximately 1:10 a.m., a Winnipeg Police Service member was leaving the HQ building when he heard of the sound of shots fired from the north. The shots were also heard by other members in the area.

An investigation has determined that the shooting occurred in the back lane behind the St. Regis Hotel where officers have located evidence that a firearm had been discharged, along with evidence that a person had been injured.

At approximately 1:40 a.m., a male in his 20’s attended a Winnipeg hospital with an upper-body injury believed to be the result of a gunshot wound.

Officers have also found evidence that suggests the Graham Avenue tower, connected to the HQ building, had been struck by a projectile during the incident.

This investigation is continuing by members of the Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Attempted Abduction – Investigation: C19-213786

On September 11, 2019, at approximately 12:20 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service received a report of 10-year-old female who stated she had been approached by two males and grabbed in a strip mall near Kildare Avenue East and Wayota Street. The males then tried to force her into a vehicle.

The individual who grabbed her is described as a black male, approximately 16 years old, tall with an average build and had been wearing a red or maroon sweater with a stripe. The other individual is described as an Indigenous or black male with no further description. The truck has been described as a black or blue sport utility vehicle or truck.

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service continue to investigative.

Fraud – Arrest: R19-52816

Members of the Financial Crimes Unit have arrested a male believed to be responsible for pickpocket frauds.

In each instance, elderly shoppers at a retail establishment are observed entering their personal identification number (PIN) while they pay with a credit or debit card. They are then followed out of the store, and distraction techniques are used to facilitate the theft of the victim’s purse or wallet. Once the credit or debit card is obtained, money is withdrawn or fraudulent purchases are made.

On September 10, 2019, investigators placed a male suspect under arrest. He is believed to be responsible for three incidents between July 31 and August 7, 2019.

Elvis Stoian, a 42-year-old male of Winnipeg, has been charged with:

- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Fraud Over $5000
- Fraud Under $5000 (x2)
- Use of Credit Card (x4)
- Identity Theft (x3)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 (x3)

He was detained in custody.
Last Update: September 12, 2019
Constable Jay Murray, Public Information Officer
Constable Dani McKinnon, Public Information Officer
Constable Claude Chancy, Public Information Officer
Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs

Office: 204-986-3061
E-mail: WPS-PIO@winnipeg.ca

Make the Right Call
  • Emergency calls: 9-1-1
  • Non-emergency calls:
    1-204-986-6222
  • Hearing impaired line:
    1-204-942-7920
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