Two arrested in Winnipeg for theft of charity cyclists' bikes

Winnipeg police have made two arrests in connection with the theft of two expensive bicycles belonging to charity cyclists. The cyclists, from New Brunswick, were on a cross-Canada journey to raise funds for men's mental health initiatives and Movember Canada when their bikes were stolen in Winnipeg in late July.

The two road bikes, with a combined value of $15,000, were taken from a car rack while it was parked in the 400 block of Portage Avenue. The incident occurred while the cyclists were in the city, adding to the distress of their fundraising efforts.

On August 7, patrolling officers spotted a 60-year-old man riding one of the stolen bikes. He was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. The bike was subsequently returned to its owner. However, the second stolen bike is still missing.

Following the initial arrest, police identified a second suspect. Investigators determined that the 60-year-old man had acquired the bike through a trade with the alleged original thief. A 42-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday and faces multiple charges, including two counts of theft over $5,000, trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession of fentanyl. He was also charged for failing to comply with probation and remains in custody.