Update - Portage la Prairie RCMP investigate numerous rural property theft complaints
On April 10, 2025, following further investigation by the Manitoba RCMP’s Portage la Prairie General Investigative Section, and in collaboration with officers from Manitoba First Nations Police Service, a search warrant was granted at a residence in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.
Officers from the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET), and Amaranth RCMP were also on scene to assist in execution of the warrant.
During the search, officers arrested Jodee Roulette, an 18-year-old male, as well as a 16-year-old male youth, both from Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.
A number of stolen items were also recovered, including: a Can-Am Outlander, Dodge Ram 2500, significant amount of methamphetamine, air compressor and battery charger, and over $4,000 in Canadian currency.
Both Jodee Roulette and the male youth have been charged with:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Less Than or Equal to $5000 x2
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
- Breaking and Entering with Intent x2
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purposes
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
A Warrant of Arrest has been issued for 20-year-old James Allan Roulette of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation in connection with incident. He is described as 6’2” tall, medium build, black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be in the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation area or possibly Winnipeg.
James Roulette may be armed and should not be approached. Anyone with information should call the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
“Since the very first call, our officers have not stopped looking for the people responsible for these brazen thefts carried out with firearms”, said Staff Sergeant Marcus Paddock, West District Manitoba RCMP. “The investigation involved dozens of officers and quickly led to the execution of a search warrant and the arrest of two individuals as well as the recovery of stolen items. We will continue our work until the final suspect is safely arrested.”
The investigation continues.
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North Norfolk RM, Manitoba April 7, 2025
2025-446871/447291/447004
Portage la Prairie RCMP investigate numerous rural property theft complaints
On April 6, 2025, within several hours, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a number of reports of property and off-road vehicle thefts in the North Norfolk RM between the hours of approximately 3:30 am – 8:30 am.
Officers responded to each of the reports and gathered as much information as possible and were able to link the incidents to the same group of suspects. In each case, victims reported numerous suspects entered on to the property in a vehicle and were believed to be armed with a firearm(s).
The suspects then gained access to shops located on the properties, where items were stolen from inside, including ATV’s, power tools and in one incident, a 2010, brown and cream-colored Dodge Ram pickup truck with Manitoba license plate KHP 257.
RCMP provided the Sandy Bay Detachment of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) with a description of the suspect vehicle which was subsequently located at approximately 6:00 am on Highway 50 and Main Road in Sandy Bay First Nation. MFNPS officers were able to arrest a 17-year-old female, from Sandy Bay First Nation, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle.
There were no injuries reported to any of the victims.
Portage la Prairie RCMP are still investigating all three break and enters and at this time and have limited details on the totality of all the items that were stolen.
RCMP are reminding residents to report anything suspicious in your area immediately, and are asking anyone with information to call the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
The investigation continues.