Three people have been arrested in connection with a series of robberies that Winnipeg police allege are linked to online dating platforms. According to police, several victims reported meeting a 44-year-old woman through online dating sites between February and August 2026. When the victims went to meet the woman in person, police said they were confronted by male suspects at knifepoint and robbed of their personal property, including car keys and wallets. Police allege the suspects used the victims’ vehicles to make fraudulent purchases and withdraw money from ATMs. When they got back to the homes, the victims were allowed to leave. Police said the robberies occurred in the 400 block of Eugenie Street and the 500 block of Polson Avenue. Police arrested Reena Lee Ducherer, 44, and Kelly William James Johnston, 51, on Aug. 7. A 61-year-old man was arrested the following day. Ducherer and Johnston have both been charged with kidnapping and multiple counts of robbery, uttering threats and forcible confinement and were both detained in custody. The 61-year-old man is facing multiple charges including forcible confinement, robbery, uttering threats and disguise with intent and was released on an undertaking. None of the charges against the three have been proven in court. Const. Claude Chancy with the Winnipeg Police Service said the incident is traumatizing for the victims. “Imagine being held in a residence at knifepoint while somebody robs you,” he said. “You don’t know what they’re going to do to you, whether you’re going to be safe at the end of this. So this can be extremely traumatizing for the victims, and we certainly take that into account and take this very seriously.” Chancy said police recommend several safety tips before you meet someone online from a dating site. “Number one, ask lots of questions,” he said. “If you’re going to meet this person in a setting, I would recommend that not be a private house, for example, but go into a public setting. It’s a lot more safe. “In addition, I’d probably recommend as well to talk to family members and talk to friends, let them know who you’re meeting, where you’re attending, so that there’s a little bit more protection on your end.” Winnipeg police continue to investigate and believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219.
