A man whose name was splashed over most Manitoban cell phones last week is facing more than a dozen charges.

Almost one week ago a public safety alert was issued for Wes Wadien. During the day police sent out a release, saying the 38-year-old man was considered armed and dangerous. They were looking for him due to an October 19 incident where they say he was uttering threats and pointing a firearm.

Police are now releasing more details about why the alert went out.

RCMP Manitoba says at noon on Wednesday, he was spotted in Selkirk. When officers tried to pull him over, he sped away, fleeing north of Selkirk into the Interlake area. Gimli, Stonewall, and Traffic Services were now on the hunt.

Hours later at 4:35 p.m., a vehicle matching his vehicle's description was spotted in the Riverton area, alleging the vehicle's driver stole gas. 

Wadien was then spotted speeding in Gimli. 

"Risk assessments were being done continuously as the search progressed, and given the likelihood that he was armed, along with his escalating and extremely dangerous actions on the roadways to avoid arrest, police determined that Wadien was an imminent threat to public safety and activated the Alert Ready emergency alert system to send a warning to the public over cellular phones and interrupting broadcasts," the RCMP say in a statement.

Later that night, before 7 p.m., the alert went out.

RCMP ERT, East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, RCMP Major Crime Services, and the Winnipeg Police Service Air 1 helicopter all joined forces, searching for the man.

During this time a vehicle looking like Wadien's was spotted speeding in the R.M of Rockwood, crashing into the ditch. A nearby witness saw Wadien get out and run into the woods. Police then found him at 8 p.m., an hour after the alert was sent out, and arrested him.

 

The suspect is now facing charges including:

  • Possess Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 x2
  • Possess Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 x2
  • Operate a Conveyance in a Dangerous Manner
  • Fail to Stop a Motor Vehicle While Pursued by Police
  • Theft Under $5000
  • Possess Weapon Dangerous to Public Peace x2
  • Utter Threats x2
  • Point a Firearm without Lawful Excuse
  • Possess Firearm While Prohibited x2
  • Operate a Conveyance While Prohibited

 

None of the allegations have been proven in court.