The Manitoba RCMP East District General Investigative Section began an investigation of public mischief last month.
Their investigation found that between August 2025 and March 2026, Selkirk RCMP responded to eight incidents where an unknown person reported comments of self-harm through a help phone line. Each incident was treated seriously, and multiple resources were engaged to identify and locate the person. These resources included organizations outside of the RCMP, such as crisis intervention and EMS.
In five of the eight incidents, the unknown person identified themselves as other people. This then prompted further investigation and involved other agencies.
The RCMP resources used amounted to the work of 25 people and approximately 239 investigative hours.
Recently, the individual believed to be responsible for the reports, who is from Selkirk, was arrested without incident. They face charges of fraud, criminal harassment, and public mischief.
In a release from the Manitoba RCMP, the police remind people that “Making false reports can tie up police and other valuable resources in the community. Making false claims to police could potentially lead to serious legal consequences for an individual.”
