One man faces numerous charges, while four suspects who police consider to be dangerous remain at large, after an armed home invasion in Dakota Tipi First Nation on Saturday.

Louis Russel Merrick faces multiple charges after an armed home invasion on July 22 in Dakota Tipi First Nation. (photo supplied by RCMP)

Portage la Prairie RCMP says in a release, officers were called to a Spirit Road residence in Dakota Tipi at 3:26 p.m. on July 22. Several people broke into the home and a victim had been assaulted with bear spray and threatened with a firearm. Mounties say the suspects reportedly fled the area in a dark coloured pick-up truck.

Investigators located the suspects' vehicle a short time later at Long Plain First Nation and arrested 22-year-old Louis Russel Merrick for breaking and entering and assault with a weapon. Police say Merrick was held in custody until such time as he could be brought before the court. He is charged with using a firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, breaking and entering and committing an indictable offence, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, administering a noxious thing and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

Police are trying to locate four additional suspects in this matter. Michele Lee Soldier, 34, Dakota Tipi First Nation, Jake Isaia Merrick, 19, of Long Plain First Nation, Jayden Meeches, 21, of Long Plain First Nation, and Edward Thomas Houle, 41, of Long Plain First Nation are all at large on warrants for arrest.

“We believe this is a targeted incident and not a random event,” says RCMP Const. Sean O'Keefe. “We have reason to believe there is some previous history between the victim and at least one of the assailants.”

As a firearm and noxious spray were used in the commission of this offence, all of these people should be considered dangerous. Please do not approach them if you see them in public. Instead, contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445 or 9-1-1 with their whereabouts. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.