Winnipeg Suspect Arrested with Hatchet After Vehicle Stolen During Break-In

A brazen break-in and vehicle theft on a quiet Monday evening has left a Winnipeg couple on edge, highlighting how quickly opportunistic crimes can occur.

The Incident

Maor Tsitrin and Olivia Loewen had just finished gardening at their Boston Avenue home. As Loewen went upstairs to take a shower, Tsitrin headed downstairs to retrieve a ladder. He briefly exited through the rear entrance, leaving the back door open for what he estimated was only five minutes.

During that brief window, a suspect riding a bicycle spotted the open door. The individual slipped inside the home and snatched a set of car keys off the entrance counter.

Tsitrin recalled hearing their vehicle, a Kia Forte, turn on. Knowing his partner was supposed to be upstairs, he quickly investigated. "I saw that the car started backing up, so I was looking at the car and as it drove past me backwards, I saw that she was not in the vehicle. It was some random guy, and he just quickly sped off," Tsitrin said. He immediately called 911.

Swift Police Response and Arrest

The Winnipeg Police Service’s rapid response unit quickly sprang into action. Officers patrolling near Tache Avenue and Provencher Boulevard spotted the stolen Kia Forte parked under a train bridge. They moved in and safely took the suspect into custody.

During the arrest, officers made a chilling discovery: a hatchet was found sitting on the front seat of the stolen vehicle.

“Finding out later that he had come in with a hatchet was very scary,” Loewen shared. “So that added a whole other level of, ‘oh my goodness.’ Thank goodness I was upstairs.”

Deshawn Joseph Colomb, 21, has been charged with breaking and entering, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon, and failing to comply with a probation order. He currently remains in custody as he awaits his trial.

Opportunistic Crime Prevention Tips

This incident is a stark reminder of how fast crimes of opportunity can happen. To protect your home and belongings, keep these prevention tips in mind:

• Keep Doors Locked: Always lock your doors, including the back door, even if you are just stepping out for a few minutes or working in the yard.
• Secure Your Keys: Avoid leaving vehicle keys, wallets, or other valuables on counters or tables near entryways where they can be easily grabbed.
• Maintain Visibility: Keep the area around your entry points clear of large shrubs or obstacles that could hide someone trying to slip inside unnoticed.
• Install Door Alarms: Simple chime alarms on exterior doors can alert you immediately if someone opens a door while you are in another part of the house.