18th St. was closed down from Brandon Ave to Richmond Ave, as well as all parking lots and side streets leading onto 18th St earlier today in Brandon after a reported vehicle-pedestrian accident.  One person was sent to hospital.  BPS members have now cleared from 18th Street and Queens Avenue. Traffic is again open to the public. Photos by: https://www.facebook.com/LiamPattisonPhotography204/

An Assiniboine Fire Protection van was fully involved with fire (ironic right?) behind Wah Lee's restaurant this afternoon. The call came in at around 12:55pm, and firefighter/paramedics arrived to find the van parked behind the restaurant, close to the building, fully involved with fire. Crews set up in the MPI parking lot to get the best access to the fire. A bumper line from #15 Pump was laid and charged, as crews searched for a nearby hydrant.   Water supply was switched over from #15 to #14 Pump when it arrived. Both trucks had enough on board water to put the fire out. Crews cleared just over an hour after arriving.

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.