Overview
- Police arrested a 51-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman near the site and charged each with six counts of mischief over $5,000 before releasing them on undertakings.
- Investigators say several emergency water supply valves in upper stairwells were opened, quickly pressurizing pipes and forcing water into the tower that adjoins the headquarters.
- Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service secured the compromised valves, and police say the flooding caused extensive damage that will take time to fully evaluate.
- The headquarters is closed to walk-in traffic, the Smith Street station duty office is not taking in-person reports, and police report uniform operations continue unaffected.
- The incident occurs as a provincial inquiry scrutinizes the purchase and conversion of the former Canada Post building that became the police headquarters after major cost overruns.