Manitoba RCMP arrest suspect, victim safe in Pimicikamak Cree Nation

Manitoba RCMP said they arrested a 39-year-old man on Friday in connection with the kidnapping of a woman in Pimicikamak a day before.

Mounties said they arrested Joshua Paupanekis at a residence in the First Nation community after received a tip around 11:15 a.m. Friday. R

The officers also located the 20-year-old woman identified as Raeanne Thomas in the house with minor injuries and took her to a nursing station as precaution.

Multiple units from Manitoba and Saskatchewan RCMP, including a specialized search plane, were involved in the operation, according a press release on Friday.

On Thursday, RCMP had issued a dangerous person alert for Pimicikamak Cree Nation and its surrounding areas as they searched for Joshua Paupanekis, who is believed to be connected to an aggravated assault and a kidnapping.

Mounties responded to a report around 5:40 a.m. Thursday, claiming a man had entered a home and allegedly hit the 24-year-old resident with a hammer.

It is believed the man then abducted a 20-year-old woman from the same residence before fleeing on foot.

“I don’t know if she was injured or anything, but it seems like she was violently removed from the home which gives us concern,” said Sergeant Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba RCMP.

“Our officers are doing everything they can to safely locate Raeanne and arrest the suspect. The Manitoba RCMP’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to assist in coordinating all search and investigative efforts that are underway,” said Sgt. Manaigre, on Thursday. “We fear for Raeanne’s safety and urge the public to report any possible sightings immediately to the RCMP.”

RCMP had believed Thomas was in immediate danger, and notde Paupanekis was to be considered armed and dangerous.

“Last we know, he left with a knife, who knows what he has access to? Did he acquire a firearm? Maybe he’s just scared and running now, but the idea is that we don’t know.”