Arrest Made in Recent String of Bank Robberies

On January 9, 2023, as a result of an extensive investigation into recent bank robberies that occurred in the communities of Steinbach (November 10), Lowe Farm (November 14), Glenboro (December 8) and Miami (December 23 and January 3), officers from RCMP Major Crime Services, Pembina Valley and the Emergency Response Team (ERT) attended to a residence, located in the city of Morden, and arrested a 30-year-old male without incident.

These robberies, initially investigated by the various RCMP detachments of jurisdiction, involved the suspect entering the bank, providing the teller a note stating that it was a robbery, and then the suspect fled the scene. In some instances, the suspect indicated in the note that he had a firearm. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash in four of the robberies with Steinbach being the exception. No injuries were reported and no weapon was produced.

Due to the similarities of the robberies, RCMP Major Crime Services assumed responsibility of the investigation. They examined extensive video surveillance and were able to determine that the suspect had worn similar clothing during each of the robberies but had fled the scene in a different vehicle each time.

The investigation continued and with the execution of several Judicial Authorizations, officers were able to identify a suspect. With this information, officers then executed search warrants at two separate residences, one in the RM of Hanover and the other in the City of Morden. The search of these residences resulted in the seizure of key pieces of evidence including cash and clothing.

Brett Ashton Krashel, 30-yearsold, from Morden, was remanded into custody on five counts of Robbery.

“This was a difficult investigation with crime scenes spread out across southern Manitoba. I would like to commend the investigators who quickly recognized the similarities of these crimes and worked tenaciously to identify and safely arrest the suspect,” said Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP. “It’s also our hope that this arrest will bring back a sense of safety to the employees and communities who were affected by these robberies.”

Krashel is no stranger to running afoul of the court system. In 2014 he was picked up for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was convicted of one count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and in 2018 he was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.

Anyone with information regarding this individual/vehicle is encouraged to call the Sainte-Anne Police Service at 204-422-8209.

The Sainte-Anne Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen snowmobile and trailer.

The snowmobile is a yellow 2004 Ski-Doo MX Z Adrenaline 500 SS Rev, license plate 4W521, and was taken on a homemade utility trailer with plate 608AZ.

Anyone with information regarding these items is asked to call the Sainte-Anne Police Service at 204-422-8209.

The Sainte-Anne Police Service reached out on January 19 seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen vehicle. The vehicle is described as a black 2003 Chevrolet Silverado with a black camper shell, last seen with license plate AHY 905.

Anyone with information regarding this vehicle is encouraged to call the Sainte-Anne Police Service at 204-422-8209.