On June 23, 2026, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Gypsumville RCMP received a report of an assault inside a residence in Little Saskatchewan First Nation.

 

Further information was obtained that a male suspect assaulted a 33-year-old female who then left to get help at a family members.

 

The suspect and victim were known to each other.

 

A 31-year-old female relative of the victim then approached the male and was subsequently assaulted and bear sprayed.

 

At that point, a vehicle with two female occupants arrived on the property and the male, who had a handgun, forced the driver out, took the keys and drove off at a high rate of speed with the 30-year-old  female passenger still in the vehicle.

 

Additional officers from surrounding detachments were immediately called and began patrolling for the suspect vehicle on Highway 6.  Police spotted the vehicle a short time later in Ashern and were able to speak with the victim.

 

She advised police that after they arrived at a residence in Ashern, the suspect exited the vehicle and she drove away.

 

Gypsumville and Ashern RCMP, along with the Manitoba RCMP Emergency Responsive Team and Police Dog Services, were in Ashern as an extensive search for the suspect began. He was not located.

 

All three victims that were assaulted were assessed by EMS but refused treatment at hospital.

 

A warrant of arrest has been issued for 31-year-old James Maytwayashing from Little Saskatchewan First Nation.

 

Maytwayashing may be armed. If anyone has information as to his whereabouts, he should not be approached. Call 911 or contact Gypsumville RCMP at 204-659-5224, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.