A man is now in custody after an armed robbery in Sandy Bay First Nation that occurred on Sunday, June 2nd, 2019.

23-year-old Kevin Richard was arrested after an incident at a convenience store where he left with cash and cigarettes. Inspector Dave Scott of the Manitoba First Nation Police Service says locals helped them locate the suspect. 

"Our members are just on basic general patrol," says Scott. "There was a citizen that drove by in a vehicle and indicated there was a robbery that just occurred at a local convenience and gas bar on Sandy Bay First Nation. Members responded to that location."

Richard fled the gas bar and barricaded himself into a house. Scott explains what they did to catch him.

"There was apparently a gunshot that went off inside the residence while the suspect was held up in the home," says Scott. "Our members contained the scene and called in the emergency response team from Winnipeg RCMP who attended. They brought a unit, and as they approached the residence, the suspect quickly ran out the back door and was apprehended by the RCMP K-9 unit."

Richard is now facing multiple charges and will have to appear in Portage Provincial Courthouse.

Scott thinks it was the help from the locals that brought this case to a successful conclusion.

"That certainly makes our job a lot easier and keeps the community safe."

Scott thanks the locals of Sandy Bay for all their help in this case.