On June 23, 2019, Manitoba RCMP received a report of an attempted abduction of a 16-year-old female on a rural road located in the RM of Tache. Officers from St-Pierre-Jolys, Steinbach and our Police Dog Services responded to this complaint as the victim was located at a residence near Landmark.
As a result of recent information provided to RCMP Major Crime Services, several key pieces of evidence was obtained that secured charges against the accused.
On January 10, 2023, 24-year-old Hercules Nicholas Chief, of Steinbach, was arrested and remanded into custody on charges of Kidnapping, Assault with a Weapon, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x2 and Theft of a truck.
" It is my sincere hope that the arrest of this suspect, who remains in custody, brings some closure to the victim and reassurance to the community that we will do all we can to solve these serious crimes " said Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP.
On June 28, 2019, a composite sketch of the suspect has been released and Manitoba RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in identifying him.
The suspect is described as:
male, 18-22 years-old
clean-cut
approximately 5'8" with a medium build
light-brown complexion
thick and wavy black hair
round face
Clothing description: He was wearing a blue sweater with a hood which had yellow flame writing on the front. He was wearing shorts that resembled swim shorts with a blue-to-green-to-blue pattern. He might have been wearing sandals.
Vehicle description: The truck is described as an older model, matte black, 4-door pick-up truck, with a tinted rear window. The vehicle does not have running boards or steps.
Anyone with information is asked to immediately call the St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP at 204-433-7433, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
On June 23, 2019, at 7:20 am, Manitoba RCMP received an emergency call from a homeowner indicating that an injured 16-year-old female was at their house and that she may have been the victim of an abduction. RCMP officers from Steinbach, St-Pierre-Jolys as well as Police Dog Services immediately responded.
The preliminary investigation has determined that the victim was walking her dog on Road 30 North when a male driver of a pick-up truck stopped and asked the victim if she needed a ride. When the victim declined, the male driver forced the victim into the vehicle.
As the vehicle was approaching a dead-end on Road 45 North, approximately 4 km east of Landmark, it began to slow, it is at this time that the victim managed to escape.
She made her way to the nearest residence and police were called. The victim sustained minor injuries during this incident.
Extensive patrols were made but the suspect and vehicle were not located.
The suspect is described as a clean-cut, 18-22-year-old male, approximately 5'8" with a medium build. He has a light-brown complexion, short black hair, and a round face.
The truck is described as a black 4-door pick-up truck, older model, with a dusty exterior and possibly had been repainted. There is no licence plate information available.
" This is an extremely serious situation but we want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to track down the suspect " said Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba RCMP. " We are asking anyone who may have noticed a suspicious vehicle and driver in the area that matches the description provided to immediately contact police. "
Major Crime Services are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to immediately call the St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP at 204-433-7433, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.