Submitted by RCMP —

A Lavenham resident felt he was doing a good deed early morning May 27 after agreeing to give a ride to two men, but was robbed an assaulted for his troubles.

Shortly before 1 a.m. May 27, the Treherne RCMP received a report of an armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle, having taken place at a residence in Lavenham. An apparent act of kindness was met with violence when the victim reportedly offered to give a ride to two hitchhikers. The victim was assaulted with an irritant spray, and the two suspects stole the victim’s pickup truck. The victim was treated at their home by EMS for exposure to the irritant spray.

Later that same day the vehicle was recovered from a home on Long Plain First Nation. The pickup truck was recovered and is undergoing forensic examination in order to help identify the suspects involved.

The two suspects were described as Indigenous males, both of whom were wearing dark clothing at the time. The first suspect was seen as approximately 5’8” tall, with a medium build, and black hair in a buzzcut style. The second suspect was seen as approximately 5’0” tall, with a slender build, and black hair in a short style.

RCMP Acting Inspector Robert Vachon, officer in charge of the Central Plains detachment area, warns about keeping yourself safe. “Offering a ride to strangers in the middle of the night is not a good idea for anyone’s safety. If suspicious people come to your home at midnight, a quick call to the police or 911 is the best idea.”

Investigators ask that anyone with knowledge of this incident, or the identity of those involved, should contact the Treherne RCMP at 204-723-2024, or your local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or by visiting www.manitobacrimestoppers.com. Tips leading to the identification of suspects could receive cash awards.

Prepared by: Cst. Sean O’Keefe – Portage la Prairie Media Liaison Officer

Ph: 204-239-8908