Manitoba

Manitoba man accused of using decommissioned police car to impersonate officer: RCMP

RCMP arrested a man, 55, in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation yesterday for impersonating a police officer and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Police say man drove decommissioned police car to checkstop, told people there he was conducting patrols

RCMP say they seized this decommissioned police car following a search of a 55-year-old Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation man's home on Wednesday. (Submitted by RCMP)

A 55-year-old man in northern Manitoba has been charged with impersonating a police officer and possession of a prohibited weapon, RCMP say.

Nelson House RCMP searched the man's home in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation on Wednesday and found a BB gun, which looked like a handgun, and a decommissioned police vehicle with a red and white light bar, police said in a Thursday news release.

RCMP said they received a report Wednesday about a man in the community — which is west of Thompson and about 670 kilometres north of Winnipeg — who possibly had two handguns and a decommissioned police car with a working roof light. 

Shortly after, the man drove the car to a community checkstop site — in place for COVID-19 measures — and told people there he would be conducting patrols, according to police. 

A search warrant was issued for the man's house, where police say they also found assorted ammunition, a tactical-style vest, handcuffs, police-style flashlights and bear mace wrapped in black tape. 

RCMP say they also seized a BB gun, bear mace, handcuffs and assorted ammunition at the man's house. (Submitted by RCMP)
This tactical-style vest was also seized from the man's house, police say. (Submitted by RCMP)

The 55-year-old man is in custody and police say the investigation is ongoing.