On February 6th, at about 11:30 p.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP were patrolling Highway 240 north of Portage la Prairie and located a vehicle in the ditch between Road 69 and 70 North.

RCMP Media Liaison officer Cst Larry Neufeld says the officer could see someone left the vehicle, walking towards a stand of trees. The officer could also hear the sounds of tree branches breaking. The officer followed the footprints and located a 33-year-old man from Portage la Prairie.

The man was asked to provide a breath sample on a Roadside Screening Device once they arrived back at the police vehicle. The driver provided a sample and the result was a FAIL.

Under the new law, police officers have discretion in whether to proceed criminally or through the new Provincial Legislation. The driver was issued an Immediate Roadside Licence Suspension under the Provincial Legislation. His licence was suspended for 90 days and will receive an Administration Penalty of $700.00 along with his vehicle being towed and impounded for a minimum of 30 days.