Manitoba RCMP reported that a 20-year-old woman, Raeanne Thomas, is currently at high risk after being forcibly taken from her residence in Pimicikamak Cree Nation by a 39-year-old man, Joshua Paupanekis, in a case of domestic violence. Following the incident, a dangerous individual alert was issued for Paupanekis just after 11 a.m. on Thursday.
The situation unfolded around 5:40 a.m. when Cross Lake RCMP received a call regarding a severe assault at a home in the community located approximately 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg. Paupanekis entered the residence and attacked a 24-year-old man with a hammer before abducting Thomas, who was also present at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing Paupanekis fleeing the area with Thomas, prompting concerns for her immediate safety.
Authorities emphasized that Thomas is in grave danger and are intensifying their search efforts primarily in Pimicikamak. However, there is a possibility that Paupanekis may have left the community, as indicated in a recent police statement. Sgt. Paul Manaigre expressed uncertainties about Thomas’s current status and safety, highlighting the severity of the situation arising from intimate partner violence.
While law enforcement continues to comb through Pimicikamak and neighboring areas, urging residents to stay indoors, they have also enlisted additional support from Winnipeg to aid in the search operation. Paupanekis, described as armed and dangerous, poses a significant threat, stressing the need for the public’s cooperation in providing any valuable information that could lead to locating both individuals.
Descriptions of Thomas and Paupanekis were released by the police to assist in identification efforts. Thomas, weighing around 115 pounds with brown hair and eyes, is in immediate need of rescue. Paupanekis, a six-foot-tall individual weighing approximately 185 pounds, was emphasized as armed and unsafe, cautioning against approaching him directly.
Pimicikamak Chief David Monias advised community members to maintain a low profile and limit outdoor activities to essential tasks while the investigation unfolds. Anyone with pertinent information on the whereabouts of Paupanekis or Thomas is urged to contact the Cross Lake detachment at 204-676-2600.
