The following is a summary of police activity in the Central Plains Area (Portage la Prairie, Treherne, Amaranth and the surrounding Rural Municipalities). The reporting dates are between Jan. 30 and Feb. 5, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 197 calls for service.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE REPORTED
Portage la Prairie RCMP have received several calls regarding suspicious vehicles using prohibited lights, namely red and blue lights similar to police vehicles Feb. 3. The use of prohibited lighting can result in fines under the Highway Traffic Act. Using red and blue flashing lights to make other motorists believe you are driving a police vehicle is a criminal offence. If convicted of personating a police officer, an accused could face up to 5 years imprisonment. If you know of anyone operating a vehicle with these modifications please contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

MAN WITH MACHETE FACES CHARGES
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to report of a male armed with a machete, threatening to harm others Feb. 4. Police attended the last known location of the male and arrested him without incident. Paul Felix William Pugh, 23, was held in custody until such time as he would be brought before the court. Pugh is charged with assault, uttering threats against a person, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failing to comply with a probation order.

STOLEN SNOWMOBILE
Portage la Prairie RCMP are asking for the help of the community in locating a stolen snowmobile. A black and white 2013 Polaris Switchback, last seen with Manitoba license plate 5D954, was stolen from a residence on 8th Street NW Jan. 30. Investigators are asking that if you see a vehicle matching this description, that you contact your local police detachment with its whereabouts. If you know who stole the machine, please contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

MAN STILL AT LARGE
Portage la Prairie RCMP are still looking for 20-year-old Shastin Vaughn Meeches, who is presently at large on a warrant for his arrest. Meeches is charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, unauthorised possession of a prohibited weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failing to comply with a probation order. If you know the whereabouts of Meeches, please contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

TREHERNE DRUNK DRIVER NABBED
Treherne RCMP observed a vehicle driving along Railway Avenue in Treherne Feb. 1, noting that the vehicle had no license plates. Wanting to ensure that the vehicle was properly insured, officers pulled the vehicle over. Investigators would soon learn that the male driver, 24, did not have an active driver’s license, and the vehicle was not actively registered. Officers also noted an odour of liquor on the driver’s breath, and when breath samples were provided to a roadside screening device, a 72 hour suspension was issued. The vehicle was towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

SHOPLIFTING AT WALMART
Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to Walmart for a call of shoplifting Feb. 2. Loss prevention officers noted three male suspects attempting to leave the store with items concealed under their clothing and in other shopping bags. Officers spoke with the suspects and determined that two would be released on a Trespass Notice banning them from the store. The third suspect, Tyler Jarred Monkman, 23, was arrested for theft and obstruction of a police officer, as he provided a false identity. It was believed that Monkman tried to conceal his true identity because he had several warrants for his arrest. Monkman was held in police custody until such time as he could be brought before the court.

COLLISION IN PORTAGE
At 10:20 PM the Portage la Prairie RCMP were dispatched to a collision on Saskatchewan Avenue at Tupper Street Feb. 2. Two vehicles collided at the intersection, and one fled without exchanging particulars with the other. Police would receive another call directing them to that same vehicle, which was now reportedly billowing smoke. Officers found the vehicle and arrested the female driver (26 years old) for impaired operation of a motor vehicle and failing to remain at the scene of a collision. The driver’s subsequent breath samples were double the legal limit. Both vehicle needed to be towed, but the accused’s vehicle will be impounded for a minimum of 60 days at the owner’s expense.

POOR WEATHER CAUSES ROAD INCIDENTS
Regardless of poor weather and less than ideal road conditions, Portage la Prairie RCMP issued fines to eight motorists throughout the day Feb. 5. The highest speed observed 30 km/h over the posted speed limit. Police wish to remind motorists that the posted speed limit is for ideal road and weather conditions. Reducing your speed goes a long way to avoiding collisions, and can mean the difference between life and death if a collision does occur.
If you have any information that could lend assistance in the investigation of these crimes or others, please contact your local RCMP, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
Jan. 30:   26 calls for service
Jan. 31:   23 calls for service
Feb. 1:    31 calls for service
Feb. 2:    35 calls for service
Feb. 3:    31 calls for service
Feb. 4:    25 calls for service
Feb. 5:    26 calls for service

65 Traffic violations
55 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
8 Vehicle Collisions
2 Impaired Drivers
25 Provincial statues (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
6 Crimes against person
3 Assaults
2 Assault with Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm
1 Uttering Threats
19 Crimes against property
9 Thefts
2 Theft of Motor Vehicles
5 Break and Enters
3 Mischiefs to Property
39 Other Criminal Investigations
43 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)