A frightening situation unfolded in Lake St. Martin First Nation late Friday night, but thanks to quick action, two young children are now safe and back with their family.
Around 10:30 p.m. on August 1, a man reportedly broke into a home and threatened the people inside with what has been described as a homemade weapon.
At the time, five children and four adults were inside when the incident began. The woman and the other adults quickly helped three of the children, all under 12 years old, get out safely. Unfortunately, a one-year-old and a two-year-old couldn't be removed in time and were left inside.
Police arrived soon after and entered the home to look for the suspect and the two missing children. They found the one-year-old sleeping and unharmed, but neither the man nor the two-year-old was located.
Shortly after, the search led officers to another nearby home, where the two-year-old was safely found. The man, however, was no longer at that location.
A warrant has now been issued for 29-year-old Allan Marsden of Lake St. Martin First Nation. He is described as six feet tall, weighing about 198 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Marsden is facing several charges, including abduction of a person under 14, breaking and entering, and four counts of assault with a weapon.
RCMP continue to search for Marsden and are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be shared by calling the Gypsumville detachment at 204-659-2682, anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
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