Winnipeg police say they’ve arrested a man who had a “concerning and diverse quantity of explosive substances” at his home, and they’re asking the public for help in their investigation.
Evan Luke Reimer, 24, from Headingley, was arrested Thursday, along with a 23-year-old man, after police executed two search warrants, Insp. Elton Hall of the Winnipeg Police Service’s organized crime unit said at a Friday afternoon news conference.
Police seized a large amount of explosives, guns and ammunition, he said.
They are in the early stages of an investigation, Hall said, after learning about an explosion that previously took place in Headingley, just west of Winnipeg.
Police believe Reimer “may have been planning to detonate an explosive device on the outskirts of Winnipeg for the May long weekend,” but there is currently no threat to the public, said Hall.
Reimer is charged with possession of explosives, theft under $5,000 and three counts of possessing a firearm, police say.
The 23-year-old, whom police did not name, was charged with firearm-related offences and released on an undertaking.
Police are now asking anyone who may have associated or witnessed interactions with Reimer leading up to his arrest to contact them. Retail outlets that may have sold firearms, explosive substances or accelerants to Reimer or people associated with him are also being asked to contact police.
More to come