February 25, 2018 – Stony Mountain, Manitoba – Correctional Service Canada On February 24, 2018 during the 9:30 p.m. count in the minimum security unit at Stony Mountain Institution, staff members discovered that William Benjamin Hunter-Garrioch and Dale Jacob Gilchrist were not accounted for. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) immediately contacted the Stonewall detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and a warrant for their arrest has been issued. Hunter-Garrioch, 21, is serving an over 9 year sentence for attempted murder, possession of a dangerous weapon, drug possession and failing to comply with a condition of a recognizance.  William Benjamin Hunter-Garrioch is 21 years old, measures 170 cm (5’7”) in height and weighs 57 kg (126 lbs). Gilchrist, 34, is serving a six year sentence for armed robbery and possession of property obtained by crime.  He has also served sentences for Break Enter and Commit Theft, Assault, Possession of A Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. Gilchrist is 34 years old, stands 6'2" and weighs 201 lbs.  Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

'Coldest night of the year' is an event which raises funds for the homeless, hungry and hurting in communities across Canada. 121 communities hosted events on Saturday February 24th, including Brandon. Brandon's event took place on the sidewalks of downtown on 2km, 5km and 10km routes. Routes were guided and directed by 65 volunteers and first aid responders. Cross country, over $4 million dollars has been raised this year. In Brandon, 106 people registered on 27 teams and raised over $25,000 for Samaritan House. Samaritan House provided 20,000 hampers in 2017 and over this past winter season has served 100 people in their 'Safe and Warm' overnight shelter. To learn more about Samaritan House and how they serve our community visit www.samaritanhouse.net. To learn more about this Canada-wide annual event and how you can get involved next year visit www.cnoy.org.

Brandon Police Service Media Release The Brandon Police Service would like staff of financial institutions and businesses to be aware that recently an individual successfully obtained a large amount of cash by using deception via a quick change money scam. The quick change scam typically involves a con artist who confuses a cashier by paying with a large denomination bill or numerous bills, and then changes their mind several times about how he/she wants the change returned to him or the denominations of currency returned. Recently a suspect attended a financial institution in the city of Brandon and presented several $100.00 bills to the cashier and then asked for the equivalent value in $50.00 bills.  The suspect confused the cashier and while the transaction was being completed took back several of the $100.00 bills and subsequently received more money than entitled. Suspect is described as:  male, 30-40 years old, 5’08” tall, heavy build, Caucasian, wearing a burgundy colored jacket, blue shirt, and black pants.  The suspect spoke with an accent. Police continue to investigate.

There is a tremendous amount of sadness and there is inconsolable grief around the death of Tina Fontaine. For all of us, Tina’s legacy should be that we think of her as our daughter and we act accordingly as we move forward together to resolve the issues that have plagued far too many young Indigenous Canadians. As a government, we will continue to pursue the goals of reconciliation and work alongside First Nations communities to build healthier communities, and a place where jobs and opportunities will flourish.  We will encourage and foster the ability of young Indigenous boys and girls, and men and women to pursue their goals in education and in the workplace. These real, positive partnerships are what we all need to pursue to prevent future tragedies.  Tina’s death should serve as a call to action for all of us.  In our sadness, we must be motivated to make a difference.

On Friday, February 16th, 2018, Brandon Police Service received a report that Ty Nelson BERARD, a resident of Brandon, had fled and his whereabouts were unknown. Ty is only 15 years of age. Ty was last seen when he was dropped off by a care provider in the 600 block 6th Street at approximately 2:00 PM on February 16th. The plan for him was to go visit a friend and then call for a ride at 10:00 PM. Since being dropped off, there has been no known contact with family members or care providers. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful and Police and care providers are very concerned for his well-being. Ty is a 15 year old male, with short, straight brown hair; brown eyes; 5’ 8” (173 cm); 90 pounds (41 kg); slender build; and a light/fair complexion. When last seen he was wearing a black Helly Hansen winter jacket, black sunglasses, black shoes, and was carrying a black backpack. Anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of Ty Nelson BERARD is asked to call Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 204-727-5477(TIPS), or their local RCMP Detachment. A recent picture of Ty is included with this release