Police have identified a suspect following a break-in at the high school in Garden Hill, Manitoba, that took place on the morning of April 29, 2026. Surveillance video captured an individual entering the school and stealing food from the building’s fridge and freezer. While authorities have identified a suspect, no arrests have been made at this time.
The incident at the high school occurred on the same morning as a separate break-in at the community’s water treatment plant. In that case, thieves caused significant damage to machinery and stole over $100,000 worth of power tools that are necessary for the plant to function. Police are investigating both events as separate matters.
The damage to the water treatment plant has created a serious impact on local health services, forcing the evacuation of at least 15 dialysis patients to southern Manitoba. Because dialysis treatments require large amounts of water, the program, which serves residents from Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake, has been suspended.
Residents are currently advised to avoid tap water, even if it is boiled, and should only consume bottled water. The Canadian Red Cross is providing supplies of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes to the community.
The Island Lake RCMP detachment is leading the investigation into both break-ins. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the detachment at 204-456-2626.
