Robert James Maksymchuk charged for robberies in Winnipeg

On Sunday, December 26th, 2010 at approximately 3:00 p.m., Members of the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a retail store in the 300 block of Portage Avenue for a report of a robbery that had just occurred.

Upon arrival officers learned that a male suspect, armed with a knife, had entered the store and proceeded to the cash register area. This suspect then confronted a 20 year old female clerk and demanded money. During the robbery attempt another employee fled the store and contacted police. This prompted the suspect to flee the store as well, empty handed.

There were no injuries to any of the employees as a result of this incident.

Patrolling Uniform Officers observed a male that matched the description of the suspect in the area of Broadway Avenue and Hargrave Street. This male, who was still in possession of the knife, was arrested without incident.

Further investigation by members of the Major Crimes Unit revealed that this same male was allegedly responsible for the following robberies:

– December 9th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., a grocery store in the 200 block of Lilac Street
– December 11th, 2010 at 2:45 p.m., a grocery store in the 1st 100 block of Sherbrook Street
– December 18th, 2010 at 6:50 p.m., a restaurant in the 1st 100 block of Osborne Street
– December 21st, 2010 at 4:50 p.m., a business in the 200 block of Carlton Avenue
– December 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 p.m., a gas bar in the 300 block of Wardlaw Avenue
– December 24th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., a gas bar in the 1st 100 block of Marion Street

During the commission of the above noted robberies, the suspect was armed with a knife and received approximately $3000 in cash. No injuries were sustained by any of the employees and none of the stolen money has been recovered.

Robert James MAKSYMCHUK, 40 years of Winnipeg has been charged with the following:

– Robbery with Weapon x 7
– Wear Disguise with Intent x 2

At the time of his arrest MAKSYMCHUK was wanted on an outstanding warrant for Suspension of Parole. He has been detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.