Oakbank RCMP are investigating an incident that caused extensive damage to the Winnipeg Water Treatment Plant just north of Deacon’s Corner. 

At approximately 2:50 AM this past Sunday, officers from the Oakbank, Selkirk, and Red River North detachments responded to a report of a break and enter at the plant on PR 207 otherwise known as Deacon Road. 

Officers were advised that an unknown male entered the yard, climbed into an excavator and began to damage vehicles and buildings. 

a photo of wrecked carsA jumble of wrecked vehicles on the property. Supplied by the RCMP.

Upon arrival, police observed numerous damaged vehicles in the parking lot and witnessed the excavator causing damage to a building. 

Officers approached the excavator and climbed aboard, ordering the operator to stop the machine. He refused and a demand was made a second time, at which point he yielded. 

The suspect resisted arrest and assaulted the officers while being taken into custody. 

Neither the suspect nor the officers were injured. 

39-year-old Aaron Michael Yarema from Winnipeg was remanded into custody. He faces numerous charges including Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Breaking and Entering, two-counts of Resist Arrest, Assaulting a Police Officer, Mischief Over $5000, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order. 

Oakbank RCMP continue to investigate.