A 41-year-old Manitoba man is in custody after attempting to flee from Winnipeg police. 

At around 12:30 Tuesday morning, officers noticed a stolen Ford150 XLT Supercrew driving near Selkirk Avenue and McPhillips Street. 

 A distant follow was initiated, and officers requested support from Air 1

The driver of the stolen vehicle quickly noticed the police presence and attempted to flee. However, officers were able to deploy a stop stick, partially disabling the vehicle. Due to the danger posed to the general public, Air 1 kept an eye on the vehicle and guided units on the ground. 

Air 1 members watched as the vehicle stop near Clifton Street and Ellice Avenue, where the driver and an occupant exited and fled on foot. A long item, later determined to be a firearm, was also seen being discarded by one of the suspects as they took off.

Officers quickly located an adult male and an adult female hiding in separate yards in the 700 block of Clifton Street. They were arrested without incident. The Winnipeg Police Service also recovered a sawed-off .22 calibre bolt action rifle in a nearby backyard, determined to be the item discarded by the male suspect.

Through their investigation, officers learned the 2016 Ford F150 had previously been reported stolen to Steinbach RCMP on November 28, 2023. Stolen license plates and a stolen reciprocating saw were also seized as evidence after officers searched the vehicle.

A 41-year-old male from Fairford, Manitoba, faces a long list of charges, including Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and Flight while Pursued by Peace Officer.

He remains in custody.

The female passenger was released without charges.