Winnipeg, MB – A 38-year-old man has been linked to three armed commercial robberies in the city’s south end following an investigation by the Winnipeg Police Service Major Crimes Unit. Officers announced the arrest after executing a search that uncovered a clown mask and an imitation air-powered rifle believed to have been used in the incidents.
According to the Major Crimes Unit, the robberies occurred between June 11 and November 7, 2025, targeting a hotel lounge and two cannabis dispensaries across Alpine Avenue, St. Mary’s Road, and Archibald Street.
Investigators say the first case happened on June 11, when a suspect allegedly entered a lounge in the 1–99 block of Alpine Avenue wearing a disguise and carrying what appeared to be an air-powered rifle. Police report the man briefly hid behind the bar, grabbed cash from the till, and fled on foot.
On October 14, a cannabis dispensary in the 700 block of St. Mary’s Road was allegedly robbed by a masked suspect carrying an air-powered rifle. Police say he demanded money and fled with marijuana and vape products worth roughly $5,000.
A third robbery followed on November 7, when a suspect allegedly entered another cannabis dispensary—this time in the 1300 block of Archibald Street—again wearing a mask and holding an imitation rifle. Police say he fled on a motorized bicycle with an undisclosed amount of cash.
All three robberies were captured on surveillance video, and no injuries were reported.
Police identified Yosef Negasi Michell, 38, as a suspect and took him into custody at the Milner Ridge Correctional Centre on November 27. He is charged with three counts of robbery, disguise with intent, possession of a weapon, and two breaches of a release order. Michell remains in custody.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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