RCMP in Manitoba have issued a dangerous person alert for the Pimicikamak Cree Nation and surrounding areas after the alleged abduction of a 20-year-old woman.
Police say they’re looking for Joshua Paupanekis, 39, who is considered armed and dangerous. That search continues Friday.
The victim is believed to be in “immediate danger,” according to police.
Cross Lake RCMP responded to an assault at 5:40 a.m. Thursday at a residence in the community about 500 km north of Winnipeg.
Investigators believe the suspect had struck a resident with a hammer and then abducted the woman at knifepoint.
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“(She was) physically removed violently from the residence and from there they fled on foot,” said Manitoba RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre.
Manaigre said it’s unclear how far the pair got or how they’re travelling at this point.
“It’s quite possible within moments or within minutes of leaving the house, they could have gotten into a vehicle. From there, you can hit the winter road and then eventually you’re going to hit Highway 6, you can hit south, north, you can cover a lot of ground in six hours. So that’s why we’ve issued this dangerous personal alert,” he said.
Manaigre confirmed the two know each other and this is a case of intimate partner violence.
“I’m not sure if it’s a previous relationship or current relationship, but they’re known to each other and it is accurate to say it is intimate partner violence,” he said.
“We don’t know what this suspect’s intention was due to the past or current relationship between the two … We have to assume she’s in danger and that’s why we want as much information from the public as we can.”
Anyone who sees Paupanekis is asked not to approach him but call police immediately at 204-676-2600.
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