Homicide on Greyhound Bus near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

Statement by S/Sgt Steve Colwell, D Division

July 31, 2008
14:00 hrs
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Re: Homicide on Greyhound Bus near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

• First, let me express on behalf of the entire RCMP my deepest condolences to the family of the victim of the homicide that occurred late last night on a Greyhound bus near Portage La Prairie Manitoba.

• I also want to acknowledge the driver and the other passengers on the bus. What you saw and what you experienced, would shake the most seasoned police officer. Yet I am told that each of you reacted swiftly, calmly and with bravery. We commend you for your level-headedness and strength in the face of truly extreme circumstances.

• We also want to thank you for your cooperation with our investigation into this incident. I know that conducting interviews with our officers was very difficult for many of you. If we could do our job without asking you to relive this terrible experience, believe me, we would. However the information that you have provided will be essential to the success of our investigation. Thank you, our thoughts are with you.

• Now, here are the details about this event that I can provide at this time.

• On the evening of July 30, 2008, at approximately 8:30 p.m. (local time), Portage La Prairie RCMP were advised that a male subject had been stabbed on a Greyhound bus traveling eastbound on Highway #1 (Trans Canada Highway) approximately 20 kms West of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

• RCMP officers immediately attended the scene and secured the bus, which was parked on the side of the highway. At this time victim and the suspect were still inside the bus. The driver and the remainder of the passengers had safely exited the bus prior to police arrival.

• Attending RCMP officers observed the suspect walking around the inside of the bus. When attempts to have the suspect exit the bus and surrender to police proved to be unsuccessful, additional resources, including the RCMP “D” Division Emergency Response Team (ERT) and a Negotiator Team were called in to assist.

• The highway was closed in both directions to ensure the safety of first responders, the other bus passengers and driver.

• At 1:28 a.m., the suspect, a 40 year old male, believed to be from out of province, broke a window and jumped out of the bus. He was immediately subdued and arrested without incident. He is currently in RCMP custody. His identity will not being released at this time.

• The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity will also not be released at this time, pending notification of next of kin.

• The other passengers and the bus driver (35 people in total) were transported to Brandon, Manitoba where they were interviewed by police. They were also provided with food and lodging and crisis support services. They have now all been transported to their original destinations, or alternate destinations of their choice, by Greyhound.

• I would like to emphasize for everyone that the investigation into this incident is ongoing and will remain a priority for us.

• The investigation is being led by the Winnipeg RCMP Serious Crime Unit, with assistance from the Winnipeg, Brandon and Dauphin Major Crime Units, the Portage La Prairie Detachment and Winnipeg Forensic Identification Services.

• We have also received assistance in managing this event from the “D” Division Emergency Response Team (ERT), the MacGregor Volunteer Fire Department, the Winnipeg Medical Examiner’s Office, Westman Crisis Services, and Greyhound Canada. We are grateful for their professionalism and their support.

• This is all the information that we can provide at this time. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

- 30 -

For more information contact:

• Greyhound Media Hotline: 972-789-7204
• RCMP Media Relations: 613-993-2999