Winnipeg school advises parents about incident involving alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’

A Winnipeg catholic school says an alleged disturbing incident in a vehicle near the school prompted police involvement. CTV’s Jeff Keele explains.

A Winnipeg Catholic school is advising parents about an alleged “disturbing” incident which occurred on the street outside their school Monday morning.

St. Ignatius School sent an email to parents, saying that a parent observed a man sitting in a parked vehicle in the school zone engaging in “inappropriate behavior.”

Principal Jeannine Pistawka says the parent who witnessed the incident recorded a video. They believe it shows a lone individual in a photo radar van engaging in a lewd act. CTV News has seen a short video of the alleged incident where a person is not visible, and an up and down motion appears on screen.

“In my opinion this incident is beyond disturbing.” Pistawka said “It is inconclusive in that you cannot see anything graphic, but it is very clear that, that is what was happening, in my mind.”

She said Winnipeg police were called, a report was filed and the officers spoke to the individual involved.

CTV News reached out to the City of Winnipeg to ask if the individual was in a photo radar van -- the city referred the inquiry to police.

‘The allegation was not substantiated’: WPS

The Winnipeg police said in a statement:

“On December 1, 2025, at 11:56 a.m., Winnipeg Police responded to a report of a male allegedly committing an indecent act in a vehicle near the 200 block of Harrow Street, close to a local school.

Officers attended and spoke with all involved parties. An investigation was undertaken, including a review of video footage of the incident. The allegation was not substantiated.”

CTV News reached out to Principal Pistawka for a response to the police finding and she said she has the utmost trust in the police service to keep children and schools safe.