A man aged 35 has been taken into custody for allegedly committing numerous acts of arson in Winnipeg, including setting fires at the offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers and several dining establishments. Jesse Robert Shawn Wheatland is now facing a total of 22 charges, encompassing arson, break-ins, and property damage at 11 different sites from June 11 to the day of his arrest on Tuesday, as announced by the police during a news briefing on Wednesday.
Among the locations targeted were the constituency offices of Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Homelessness and Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith. Additionally, Wheatland has been implicated in incidents at the Winnipeg School Division administration building and a provincial treatment center. The accused has also been charged in relation to events at the Exchange Event Centre and six other businesses in the Exchange District and downtown areas, including Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar, Johnny G’s, the Palomino Club, Boujee Restaurant, La Roca, and Tipsy Cow.
Authorities revealed that Wheatland allegedly engaged in arson, breaking and entering, or causing damage at these various sites. Wheatland was apprehended in the 100 block of Magnus Avenue, close to the treatment center, where he is accused of setting a fire shortly before his arrest.
During the news conference, Insp. Jennifer McKinnon acknowledged the toll the extensive investigation had on police officers and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service investigators. Wheatland faces charges of arson causing property damage and arson with disregard for human life, along with other offenses including breaking and entering and mischief.
Police believe Wheatland acted independently, and the case is deemed unrelated to prior extortion incidents. The investigation revealed that several of the arson sites were targeted more than once. Business owners affected by these incidents expressed relief upon learning of Wheatland’s arrest, acknowledging the impact on their operations and mental well-being.
Ministers Fontaine and Smith shared their sense of relief following Wheatland’s arrest, highlighting the uncertainties and fears they experienced during the months of arson incidents. They emphasized the impact on their offices and staff, with Fontaine considering relocating due to safety concerns. While police refrained from commenting on motives, Fontaine suggested that the attacks on constituency offices may have had political motivations, signaling a sense of heightened alertness in their work environments.
The community and affected business owners expressed gratitude for the diligence of the Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service in resolving the case and providing a sense of security moving forward.