A man, aged 35, has been taken into custody by the police for allegedly committing multiple arsons in Winnipeg. These incidents include fires at the offices of two Manitoba cabinet ministers and various eateries. Jesse Robert Shawn Wheatland faces a total of 22 charges, encompassing arson, break-ins, and property damage at 11 different locations from June 11 to the day of his arrest on Tuesday.
The charges against Wheatland involve fires at the constituency offices of Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Homelessness and Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith. Additionally, he has been accused of offenses at the Winnipeg School Division administration building and a provincial treatment center. Wheatland is also implicated in incidents at the Exchange Event center 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.
Some locations were harmed by arson, while others were affected by break-ins or property damage attributed to Wheatland. He was apprehended on Tuesday evening in the vicinity of the treatment center on Magnus Avenue, where he allegedly started a fire shortly before being arrested. Inspector Jennifer McKinnon mentioned during a news briefing that the extensive investigation took a toll on law enforcement officers and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service investigators.
Wheatland is facing charges that include 13 counts of arson causing property damage, one count of arson with disregard for human life, two counts of breaking and entering to commit arson, two counts of breaking and entering with intent, and four counts of mischief under $5,000. Authorities believe Wheatland acted alone, and there is no connection to prior extortion incidents, according to the police.
The case has garnered significant attention, especially as some businesses were hit multiple times. Business owners affected by the arsons expressed relief upon hearing about Wheatland’s arrest. Nikola Maharajh, co-owner of Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar, emphasized the challenges faced during the rebuilding process. Jay Kilgour, owner of Fionn MacCool’s and vice-chair of the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, echoed sentiments of relief within the industry.
Ministers Fontaine and Smith, who experienced the impact of the arsons firsthand, shared their sense of relief following Wheatland’s arrest. Fontaine expressed concerns about the safety of her office and staff, hinting at potential political motivations behind the incidents. The community and business owners affected by Wheatland’s actions are hopeful for a sense of security moving forward.
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