Following an extensive investigation into a bomb threat made towards the Steinbach Court Office this past July, officers from the Steinbach RCMP Detachment and RCMP Major Crime Services have arrested a 41-year-old male suspect.
On July 30, 2020, RCMP reported that an anonymous caller contacted 911 and stated that there was a bomb in the washroom located inside the Steinbach Court Office. RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit responded and neutralized the device, rendering it safe. Upon further inspection it was determined to be a hoax device.
Police say that on August 25, 2020, 41-year-old Christian Peter Jaques from Richer, Manitoba, was arrested and has been charged with intimidation of a justice system participant, obstruction of justice, public mischief and mischief over $5,000.
“This threat caused the court building to close and required a number of police resources and other first responders to be on scene for an extended period of time,” said Sergeant Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba RCMP. “The management of the threat by our telecommunications operators, the quick actions of the responding officers and the expertise of the specialized units ensured a safe resolution to a potentially very dangerous situation. This was a reckless and dangerous act that was intended to disrupt and obstruct our justice system. Our investigators will always do everything they can to ensure that anyone who attempts to intimidate our courts is held accountable.”
RCMP report that Jaques has been remanded into custody for a court appearance scheduled for the morning of August 27 in Winnipeg.
