On March 30, 2016, members of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Unit executed a search warrant in Winnipeg following an investigation into a man impersonating a police officer.
RCMP began the investigation after receiving multiple complaints from across North America of what appeared to be a police officer inappropriately using social media and other online forums.
Investigation revealed that 58-year-old Thomas Hanaway from Winnipeg, created social media accounts and engaged in online forums using the name of an active police officer within Manitoba.
Hanaway was located inside his Winnipeg residence, arrested, and charged with personating a peace officer and failing to comply with a probation order.
RCMP would like to remind the public to always remain vigilant when interacting with individuals online. Police officers will never use their personal social media accounts to conduct any police investigations.
