MALE CHARGED WITH FIREARMS OFFENCES ALSO WANTED ON MURDER CHARGES
Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba
On January 9, 2025, the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) received a report of an attempted arson at a local residence; witnesses provided details of a suspect vehicle that left the area.
Police observed the suspect vehicle on Hwy 50 near the community of Langruth. Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle continued and sped off. The vehicle led the Police into Sandy Bay, and after a short pursuit, the vehicle slid into the ditch, where a male was observed to exit and fled on foot.
The male was identified as Preston Whitford, who was also wanted in connection with a homicide that was under investigation by the RCMP. MFNP PSD Zion tracked the suspect to an abandoned mobile home, where the suspect is alleged to have threatened the Police with a firearm; the suspect eventually surrendered to Police. The weapon was later determined to be an imitation firearm.
Officers searched the vehicle and located an SKS assault-style firearm and a pellet handgun; the investigation revealed that Whitford had the firearms.
Preston Todd Dean WHITFORD, 30-year-old, of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, was arrested and charged with the following offences;
· Unauthorized Possession of a firearm
· Unauthorized possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized
· Weapons possession contrary to order
· Resist arrest.
WHITFORD was also transferred to the Manitoba RCMP as part of thier homicide investigation.
If you have any information that could assist investigators, don't hesitate to get in touch with MFNPS Sandy Bay Detachment at 204-843-7700 or MFNPS TIPS line anonymously at 1-833-978-0048 or email TIPS@mfnp.ca. The MFNP TIPS line is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, and monitored regularly.
