Arrests made after home invasions, assaults
» Police seek third suspect
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/02/2025 (400 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Members of Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) have arrested two men in connection with two alleged home invasions that happened last Thursday evening on Birdtail Sioux First Nation and are looking to the public to help them identify a third suspect.
Three men were injured in the assaults, including the community’s leader, Chief Lindsay Bunn, Jr., who was hospitalized for several days, a family member told the Sun.
Christopher Wasteste, a 34-year-old member of the community, was arrested at the scene, according to police.
He was charged with three counts of assault causing bodily harm and two counts of break and enter with intent to harm, according to a MFNPS news release.
Wasteste is being held in custody while he waits for his next appearance in court.
The second man charged is 23-year-old Eric Chalmers, also from Birdtail Sioux First Nation, who was arrested a short time after the home invasions, police said.
Chalmers was charged with assault causing bodily harm and break and enter with intent to harm and was released with instructions to follow certain court-ordered conditions.
A warrant has been issued for another individual involved in the attacks, said MFNPS, and its members are “actively searching” for that person.
Meanwhile, MFNPS is looking to the public to help with the investigation, including identifying any other individuals who may have been involved in the home invasions and assaults.
“Community safety is a top priority for MFNPS, and they are working closely with chief and council to take swift and effective measures to address the situation,” the release stated.
While MFNPS did not say what the motivation was, Bunn Jr.’s family member said the attacks — which happened at about 10 p.m. last Thursday — were gang-related.
May Benn, Birdtail’s band manager, told the Sun in a Facebook message on Wednesday that the families are “worried that other gang members will come after them, and the children who have been impacted are scared.”
There is a “lot of fear” in the Birdtail community, a family member close to the second injured man said. The Sun agreed to withhold their name.
“The whole family does all right during the day, but at night nobody sleeps. Some people have even left the community for safety reasons,” they said.
MFNPS is asking anyone who has information about the home invasions on the MFNPS Birdtail Sioux First Nation to call the detachment at 204-569-4621.
To remain anonymous, the number of the tipline is 1-833-978-0048. The email address is TIPS@mfnp.ca.
MFNPS said the tip line is accessible 24-7, 365 days a year, and is regularly monitored.
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