Early last week, RCMP in Virden were called to a report of a spousal assault in Virden, Manitoba.
Police were advised on November 7, 2010, around 7:20am, that 24-year-old Eric Gunderson from Newport Beach California was destroying the residence that he shares with a 29-year-old female from Virden.
Upon Police arrival they found the female outside and were advised that Gunderson had fled. Police located Gunderson about a block from the residence in an alley where he was arrested.
Police were advised by the victim that she had gotten off work around 11pm the night before. Gunderson wanted money for alcohol, which the victim reluctantly provided. Over a period of an hour, Gunderson become uncontrollable and from around midnight to 7am, the victim was assaulted.
The assaults consisted of physical abuse as well as swinging a broom to throwing a can of cayenne pepper in the victims face. The assaults escalated to Gunderson brandishing a knife. He lit a corn broom on fire and threw it into the house threw a broken window. The victim extinguished the fire.
Gunderson and the victim have been in a domestic relationship since May 2010. They met through an Internet dating service. She assisted him coming into Canada illegally by driving him to the US/Canada border, where he walked across and was picked up by her on the Canadian side.
Gunderson is currently in custody facing six charges of assault with a weapon, one charge of assault, arson with disregard to human life, two charges of uttering threats, one charge of wilful damage and one charge under the Immigration Refugee Protection Act.
Immigration had been informed and involved in the case from the beginning of RCMP involvement.
Gunderson is currently in custody at the Brandon Correctional Institute with his next court appearance being 18th November, 2010 in Brandon.
Staff Sergeant Moe Massart
Westman Area Commander
Virden, MB
(204) 748-2046
