In a scene straight out of a Hardy Boys novel, Dauphin RCMP say they’ve arrested and charged two men after executing a search warrant and navigating two hidden rooms.
According to police, they arrived at a residence on Hawthorne Avenue at about 12:20 AM to execute an arrest warrant on a man wanted on multiple theft-related charges. After announcing themselves, officers from the RCMP Manitoba West District General Investigation Section, assisted by Dauphin RCMP and Dauphin Police Dog Services entered the home and found one man who claimed to be home alone.
Police said when they searched the home, they found a hidden room behind a false wall. Inside the room, they alleged they found various weapons and a trapdoor leading to a second hidden room. After about 20 minutes, the suspect inside that second room surrendered to police, came out of the room and was taken into custody without incident.
Jayson McDougall, 48, of Dauphin has been charged with resisting arrest and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He had previously been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, flight from peace officer, and two counts of failure to comply with an undertaking. None of the charges have been proven in court and he is presumed innocent.
Another 35-year-old man was charged with obstructing police. He was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.
