Four arrested, one suspect wanted in Winnipeg catalytic converter theft investigation

Winnipeg police have arrested four people and are searching for a fifth suspect following an investigation into a string of catalytic converter thefts that caused more than $20,000 in damage across the city. Officials launched the investigation in May after seeing a spike in reports of catalytic converter thefts. Police say surveillance video helped identify [...] The post Four arrested, one suspect wanted in Winnipeg catalytic converter theft investigation appeared first on CityNews Winnipeg .

Winnipeg police have arrested four people and are searching for a fifth suspect following an investigation into a string of catalytic converter thefts that caused more than $20,000 in damage across the city. Officials launched the investigation in May after seeing a spike in reports of catalytic converter thefts. Police say surveillance video helped identify several suspects believed to be connected to thefts reported between April and June.

In total, investigators linked 13 thefts at locations across Winnipeg, including Wilmot Place, Wardlaw Avenue, Regent Avenue East, River Avenue, Saskatchewan Avenue, McMeans Avenue East, Leila Avenue, Myrtle Street, Portage Avenue, Academy Road, Marion Street and Henderson Highway. Police estimate the thefts caused more than $20,000 in damage. Four people have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Tyrel Martin, 44, is charged with four counts each of theft under $5,000 and mischief under $5,000, as well as one count of failing to appear for identification. He was released on an undertaking. A 51-year-old woman is charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and was also released on an undertaking.

A 36-year-old man faces seven counts each of theft under $5,000 and mischief under $5,000. He was released on an undertaking. A 48-year-old man is charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and was released on an undertaking.

Police are continuing to search for 43-year-old Jay Heckert, who is wanted on warrants for theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000 and failing to attend court. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about Heckert’s whereabouts or the investigation is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service’s Property Crime Unit at 204-986-2426 or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

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