Winnipeg police nab suspect linked to multiple thefts
A 33-year-old Winnipeg man is facing multiple charges after DNA evidence tied him to a series of break-ins and thefts in the Windsor Park and South St. Vital areas earlier this year.
Ryan Nelson Thomas was arrested on Aug. 11, by members of the Central District Community Support Unit following an extensive investigation. The arrest came after forensic evidence collected at one of the crime scenes matched Thomas’s profile in the National DNA Data Bank’s Convicted Offender Index.
The incidents under investigation include:
-March 24, 2025: Suspects forced entry into an apartment building in the 500 block of St. Anne’s Avenue, damaging tenant mailboxes and stealing mail. Three bicycles were also taken from the basement parking garage, with total damages estimated at $2,000.
-Same day: Two separate apartment buildings in the 200 block of Beliveau Road were targeted, with mailboxes broken into and mail stolen.
-Same day: An apartment building in the 100 block of Worthington Avenue was broken into, with storage lockers compromised, causing $1,600 in damages. An undetermined amount of property was stolen.
DNA Breakthrough
Investigators collected a DNA sample from one of the scenes, which later matched Thomas’s profile.
On Aug. 1, police executed a DNA warrant, obtaining a blood sample that confirmed his involvement.
Thomas was taken into custody without incident in the 300 block of Kennedy Street. At the time of his arrest, officers found a pocket knife on him, which was seized as evidence.
He now faces four counts of break and enter, one count of possession of a weapon, and one count of breach of recognizance.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Winnipeg Police Service at (204) 986-6222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (204) 786-TIPS (8477).
Thomas was detained in custody.
The WPS Community Support Units work to reduce and prevent criminal activity that affects our local neighbourhoods. By addressing concerns from citizens and businesses, Community Support Unit officers form relationships and aim to build safer communities through proactive action.
