Off-Duty Commercial Robbery – Arrest: C24-162895

On July 15, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., an off-duty police officer was at a grocery store in the 1100 block of Grant Avenue when he witnessed an altercation between store security and an unidentified male. The male started to act aggressively towards the security employee and began to chase him through the store. Fearing for the safety of the security employee, the officer intervened, arresting the male, securing him and calling for backup.

The male was turned over to a General Patrol unit and was found to be in possession of a knife.

He was identified as Jack Christopher MCKAY (40) of Winnipeg.

Further investigation revealed that MCKAY was linked to three previous incidents under investigation. 

  • On April 27, MCKAY was involved in a theft at a convenience store in the 1800 block of Wellington Avenue.
  • On June 7, MCKAY was involved in a commercial robbery at a grocery store in Osborne Village when he and a co-accused brandished bear spray and stole merchandise while being confronted by store security.
  • On June 12, MCKAY and a co-accused attended the same grocery store in Osborne Village and stole items, leaving the store without paying.

MCKAY was charged with all of the above following offences and detained in custody:

  • Robbery x 2
  • Possession of a Weapon
  • Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order
  • Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm
  • Theft Under $5000 x 2

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