Night Prowler Joanasie (Joe) Mingeriak Arrested in Bowmanville

A 20-year-old male was arrested after allegedly breaking into a Bowmanville residence and entering a woman’s bedroom while she lay sleeping.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at approximately 5:40 a.m., East Division officers were called to a residence in the King Street East and Liberty Street South area of Bowmanville for the reported Break and Enter. A 25-year-old Bowmanville woman was sleeping in her bedroom when she was awakened by the sound of her bedroom door opening. An unknown, shirtless male entered the room while shining a flashlight in the dark. The female was able to talk to the male and lead him to the kitchen area of the home. He eventually left without incident. The male did not threaten or harm the female, but did take a quantity of cash before leaving.

Responding officers swept the neighbourhood and arrested the suspect a short distance away. The male later revealed he has been living in Bowmanville for two years and has entered other unlocked residences in Bowmanville in the past year. He admitted to masturbating in houses after breaking in and spending up to one hour inside these residences. Prior to living in Bowmanville the male resided in Ajax and Oshawa for short periods of time.

In at least one recent incident, a female victim inside her Bowmanville home wasn’t even aware the male was inside watching her, and masturbating, as she lay asleep. This event was never reported to the police. It does not appear that the suspect has physically touched any victim and no physical injuries have been reported to the police.

Joanasie (Joe) MINGERIAK, age 20, of Nunavut, currently residing in Bowmanville, has been charged with Break and Enter Intent to Commit x2 and Trespassing at Night. He was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody. The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible.

The DRPS strongly encourages all residents, especially women and teenaged girls, to lock all doors and windows when home and pull window blinds closed for added privacy.