Winnipeg police nab phone theft suspect by placing call

Winnipeg police outsmarted and arrested a 24-year-old male robbery suspectThursday by luring him into a trap over the very phone police believe he had just stolen from a teen girl.

Police said the suspect approached and grabbed a 15-year-old girl while wielding a knife in the 1000 block of Manitoba Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The teen fled the area, dropping her phone in the process, and reported the incident to police.

Police called the victims phone, believing it was likely in the possession of the suspect. Sure enough, the suspect answered and demanded $100 for the phones return.

The suspect arranged for the exchange to take place in the area of Selkirk Avenue and McPhillips Street.

When police arrived, the suspect fled. He was located shortly after and taken into custody.

The suspect has been charged with robbery and failing to comply with the conditions of his probation.

The 24-year-old man remains in custody. Police continue to investigate.