Manitoban First Nation chief hospitalized after violent home invasion

Three people were injured in a pair of violent home invasions last week, including a First Nations Chief, and officials have warned gang members and their associates they are not welcome in the Birdtail Sioux First Nation (BSFN).

“What happened last night was terrible, women and children were scared last night,” BSFN band manager May Benn wrote in a Facebook post last week, posted one day after an incident in the community located more than 330 kilometres west of Winnipeg.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) were called about two home invasions on Feb. 13 in the community. In both incidents police said a group of individuals committed “violent invasions” causing injuries to three male victims.

BSFN Chief Lindsay Bunn Jr., was one of the victims and was taken to hospital with injuries.

A 34-year-old man and a 23-year-old man were both arrested on scene, according to police, and are both face charges of assault causing bodily harm, as well as break and enter with intent. The 34-year-old is in custody and has an appearance scheduled in Brandon Provincial Court, while the 23-year-old suspect was released with conditions and is also scheduled to appear in court.

Police have not released any additional information about what led to the alleged attacks, but in a Facebook post Benn said the community was putting gang members and their associates on notice and would be drafting new legislation to combat gangs in the community.

“Due to the violence last night, Zero Tolerance to Gang Members,” Benn wrote.

Benn said council was already working on a Band Council Resolution (BCR) and said, “anyone affiliated with Crazy Indian Brotherhood gang will be asked to leave the community for the safety of our community.”

“A gang member is someone who associates with or has connections to gang members, which could include actively participating in gang activities or wearing gang clothing,” Benn explained in the post.

“The safety of our people especially our Elders, women and children comes first.”

MFNPS said they continue to search for a third person they believe was involved in the attacks and a warrant has been issued for that suspect who remained at large as of Thursday afternoon.

“MFNPS is seeking assistance from the public to identify all the individuals involved in these incidents. Community safety is a top priority for MFNPS, and they are working closely with Chief and council to take swift and effective measures to address the situation,” MFNPS said.

Anyone with information that could assist police in their investigation are asked to call the MFNPS Birdtail Sioux First Nation Detachment at 204-569-4621 or the MFNPS TIPS line anonymously at 1-833-978-0048, or email TIPS@mfnp.ca.

This story was originally published in The Winnipeg Sun. It is republished under a Creative Commons license as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.