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In August 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Domestic Violence Unit began an investigation regarding a recently released adult male suspect from an Edmonton, Alberta prison, believed to have traveled to Winnipeg contrary to conditions of his release order. The suspect was also believed to have an illegally obtained firearm in his possession.
The investigation determined that during his incarceration, the suspect contacted a female victim in Winnipeg and coerced her to obtain a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) to enable her to purchase a firearm. Once released from custody and back in Winnipeg, the suspect contacted the victim and arranged to meet.
On August 14, the suspect and the victim attended a retail store in the 500 block of Sterling Lyon Parkway, where he instructed her to purchase a semi-automatic GSG16 .22 Calibre Rifle and compatible ammunition, providing her with the necessary funds for the purchase.
Once the purchase was made, the suspect led the victim from the premises and took control of the firearm and ammunition before they parted ways.
The suspect also directed the victim to advertise online during August for the purpose of providing sexual services and providing him with the income. During this time, the victim was under constant watch of the suspect, forcibly confined and physically assaulted. Given the threats and assaults, the victim complied with his demands, fearing retribution.
On August 27, at approximately 12:00 p.m., in the back lane of 200 Young Street, the suspect, following an argument with a 48-year-old male victim known to him, produced the firearm and discharged it, striking him in the lower body. The victim was transported to hospital in unstable condition and later upgraded to stable. The suspect fled before police arrived.
At approximately 2:32 p.m., a traffic-assigned member of the Central District Community Support Unit operating a police motorcycle, observed the suspect in the area of Carlton Street and Graham Avenue. With assistance from the Central District Foot Patrol, officers engaged in a foot pursuit as the suspect fled to a nearby multi-level covered parkade in the 200 block of Graham Avenue. In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect jumped from an upper level of the parkade approximately 30 feet to the ground below, injuring himself in the process. Officers arrested him without further incident before he was transported to hospital and treated for injuries sustained from the jump. Officers also seized approximately $800 CDN currency and approximately 9.5 Grams of Fentanyl from the suspect.
Sunsequent investigation by the Major Crimes Unit also linked the suspect to a Strongarm Robbery investigation which occurred on August 11 at a restaurant in the 1400 block of Ellice Avenue. During the robbery, the suspect had approached a 51-year-old male victim and attempted to rob him of personal property at knifepoint. The suspect fled before police arrived. The male was arrested for this robbery on August 28, while in custody regarding the incidents mentioned above.
Dustin Wayne JOHNSON, 28, of Winnipeg, is charged with the following offences:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 2
- Point a Firearm
- Discharge a Firearm with Intent
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized x 8
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x 2
- Robbery
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 4
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Warrant (Forcible Confinement, Assault, Procuring Person to Provide Sexual Services)
He was detained in custody.