RCMP announced today they have made an arrest in the case of an abducted teenage girl in the Landmark area.

On June 23, 2019, Manitoba RCMP received an emergency call from a homeowner indicating that an injured 16-year-old female was at their house and that she may have been the victim of an abduction. RCMP officers from Steinbach, St. Pierre as well as Police Dog Services immediately responded.

The preliminary investigation determined that the victim was walking her dog on Road 30 North when a male driver of a pick-up truck stopped and asked the victim if she needed a ride. When the victim declined, the male driver forced the victim into the vehicle.

As the vehicle was approaching a dead-end on Road 45 North, approximately four kilometres east of Landmark, it began to slow. It is at this time that the victim managed to escape.

She made her way to the nearest residence and police were called. The victim sustained minor injuries during this incident.

Extensive patrols were made but the suspect and vehicle were not located.

Today, Manitoba RCMP announced that as the result of recent information provided to RCMP Major Crime Services, several key pieces of evidence were obtained that secured charges against the accused.

On Tuesday of this week, 24-year-old Hercules Nicholas Chief of Steinbach was arrested and remanded into custody on charges of kidnapping, assault with a weapon, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and theft of a truck. 

"It is my sincere hope that the arrest of this suspect, who remains in custody, brings some closure to the victim and reassurance to the community that we will do all we can to solve these serious crimes," says Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP.