November 30, 2018

Winnipeg Police Service Media Release

For Immediate Release

2018 Festive Season Checkstop Program

The 2018 Festive Season Checkstop program begins this weekend and will be in operation every day for the month of December. Motorists can expect to see more police officers on the streets of Winnipeg enforcing Impaired Driving legislation.

Impaired driving continues to be the #1 criminal cause of death in Canada, yet it is 100% preventable. The recent legalization of Cannabis has brought forward further concerns surrounding drug-impaired driving. It's important to know that driving while impaired by Cannabis, is a crime. In preparation for legalization, the Winnipeg Police Service increased the number of officers trained to detect and arrest drug-impaired drivers.

In addition, the Winnipeg Police will be utilizing newly approved drug screening equipment as an additional tool to help us detect drivers under the influence of Cannabis or Cocaine.

Our message is simple - if you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs, DON’T DRIVE.

We urge you to make the right decision to not drive under the influence.

Plan ahead and take advantage of the various transportation options available to you. Take a cab, hop on a bus, call Operation Red Nose or simply arrange to have designated driver. There is no reason to drive under the influence.

The Winnipeg Police Service would like everyone to have a safe and enjoyable festive season.

The 2018 Festive Checkstop program is made possible through our supporting partner, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

Assault Peace Officer – Public Assistance Requested: C17-270271

On December 1, 2017 at approximately 3:30 a.m. an officer with the Winnipeg Police Service was leaving work and heading to his personal vehicle which was parked in the 200 block of Garry St. The officer saw a male attempting to look inside his the vehicle and prepare to break in.

The officer identified himself as a police officer and attempted to restrain the male at which time the suspect produced a knife and lunged at the officer. The officer was cut on his arm, but chased the suspect while calling 911 on his cell. The suspect was arrested a short distance away by responding, on duty, general patrol officers. During his arrest the suspect assaulted one of the arresting officers and attempted to flee. This officer was not injured. The original officer was treated in hospital for a laceration to his arm and released.

Corey Clifford WHITFORD, 46, of Amaranth, MB, was charged with:

- Assault Peace Officer With a Weapon

- Assault With a Weapon

- Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

- Escape Lawful Custody

- Fail to Comply with Conditions of Undertaking

A court date had been scheduled for November 28, 2018 however the accused failed to appear. As a result an arrest warrant has been issued for Whitford and investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating him.

Whitford is 5’8” in height, 208 lbs, heavy build, with brown hair (possibly a shaved head) and brown eyes. Anyone with information that may assist investigators in locating Whitford is asked to contact 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Last Update November 30, 2018