Three arrested for armed robberies in Winnipeg

On January 22nd, 2011 at approximately 4:25 a.m., Winnipeg Police Service Uniform Members responded to a report of a commercial robbery that had just occurred at a convenience store within the 600 block of Ellice Avenue.

A male and a female suspect, with their identities disguised and armed with knives, entered the store and confronted the female clerks, demanding money.

After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cigarettes, both suspects fled the store to an awaiting vehicle.

Then at approximately 5:10 a.m., Members of the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a convenience store within the 700 block of Mountain Avenue for a report of commercial robbery.

Upon arrival it was learned that three suspects, two males and one female, all of whom have their identities disguised, entered the store and proceeded to the cash register area. At one point, one of the male suspects produced a handgun and after receiving an undisclosed amount of the cash and cigarettes, the three suspects fled the store to an awaiting vehicle.

There were no reports of injuries in either of these incidents.

A short time later, patrolling Uniform Officers located a vehicle believed to be involved in the commission of these offences. A residence within the 200 block of Reitta Street was surrounded and the Tactical Support Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant.

Just before 10:00 a.m. a number of individuals exited the house and were taken into custody without incident.

The following individuals are now facing charges for their alleged involvement in these incidents:

Nathaniel Leroy BLACKBIRD 35 years of Winnipeg
Robbery with Firearm
Robbery with Weapon
Disguise with Intent X 2
Possession of Goods Obtained By Crime (Under $5000)
Fail to comply with conditions of Recognizance X 2

Shanastene Irene MCLEOD 21 years of Winnipeg
Robbery with Firearm
Robbery with Weapon
Disguise with Intent X 2
Possession of Goods Obtained by Crime (Under $5000)
Breach of Probation X 2
Fail to comply with conditions of Recognizance X 6

Julian CHOKEN 37 years of Winnipeg
Robbery with Firearm
Disguise with Intent
Possession of Goods Obtained by Crime (Under $5000)
Fail to comply with conditions of Recognizance X 2

All three individuals have been detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.