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 July 17 and July 23, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 313 calls for service.

WANTED PERSON APPREHENDED
Portage la Prairie RCMP received a call from a concerned citizen, who identified someone at large on warrants for their arrest. On July 21, police patrolled the area of 18th Street NW where they located Elizabeth Shefana Mousseau, 22, who reportedly attempted to fight police in order to evade capture. Mousseau was taken into police custody, and held until such time as she could be brought before the court. She is facing charges of assault with a weapon, assaulting a police officer, and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

IMPAIRED DRIVERS CAUGHT
Treherne RCMP observed a motorist fail to signal a turn July 21 on Highway 2 near Cypress River, which turned their attention to the fact that the vehicle had no license plates. Once in contact with the male driver, 60, officers could detect an odour of liquor on the driver’s breath. The driver would fail a roadside test, and was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. His subsequent breath samples were nearly double the legal limit. He is now suspended from driving any motor vehicle for at least 3 months, and the vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 60 days at the owner’s expense.

Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of a possible impaired driver swerving all over Saskatchewan Avenue July 21. Police would locate the suspect’s vehicle in a parking lot; the driver was reportedly asleep behind the wheel. Once awoken, officers determined that the male driver, 26, was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for impaired care or control of a motor vehicle, and his subsequent breath samples were double the legal limit. He is now suspended from driving any motor vehicle for at least 3 months, and the vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 60 days at the owner’s expense.

AMARANTH BREAK-AND-ENTERS
Amaranth RCMP are investigating a break and enter that took place between July 10th and July 12th, 2017. A residence on Hwy 50 near road 88N was broken into, with several large items missing from the home and outbuildings. Of note is a black 2007 Polaris Sportsman 500, last seen with Manitoba license plate 603X6. Power tools and two firearms were also stolen from the home. Investigators are asking that anyone with knowledge of this incident, or anyone who recalls seeing anything suspicious in the area during that time, please contact the Amaranth RCMP at 204-843-2309. Police also wish to remind anyone buying second hand tools or firearms that they could be purchasing stolen items, which is a criminal offence as well.

Amaranth RCMP are asking for the assistance of the community in identifying suspects responsible for damages to the Amaranth Curling Club. Property managers reportedly found the inside of the building defaced with paint and littered with garbage July 20. Investigators are asking that anyone in the area who recalls any recent suspicious activity contact the Amaranth RCMP at 204-843-2309.

ATV RIDER AT REPUBLIC PARK
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report a white Polaris ATV driving on the grounds at the Republic of Manitobah Park July 23. Police recognize how much fun these vehicles can be, but if they are driven in a manner that causes damage or nuisance, owners and operators are breaking the law.

DISTURBANCES IN OAK BAY AREA
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to several calls regarding a large number of youths causing disturbances July 19 in the area of Oak Bay. In one instance a 15-year old male youth was arrested for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. In another incident a 16-year old female was arrested for failing to comply with court imposed conditions. Police are asking residents in the area to report any suspicious activities being carried out by large groups of youths. A timely response by police goes a long way to identifying those youths who are committing crimes, and those who are enjoying their summer break.

POLICE BELIEVE SPEED, ALCOHOL FACTORS IN HIGHWAY 26 ROLLOVER
Portage la Prairie emergency services responded to a single vehicle rollover on Highway 26, after a caller found the vehicle in a field July 20. The male driver, 22, had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire fighters, and was transported to Winnipeg via STARS for injuries sustained as a result of the collision. The matter is still under investigation, but speed and alcohol are believed to be factors at this time.

OAK BAY STANDOFF
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of an armed male inside a home on Oak Bay July 17. Occupants of the home barricaded the doors and refused to exit the residence despite police instruction. Additional police resources were called to assist, including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and negotiators. Once tear gas was deployed into the home, two female occupants exited, while two males continued to barricade themselves further. Police would eventually enter the home and arrest Francis Markus Beaulieu, 27, and Joel John Beaudin, 27. Both were held in custody until such time as they could be brought before the court on numerous criminal charges.

DANGEROUS DRIVER CHARGED
On July 19, Portage la Prairie RCMP received numerous calls regarding a collision on 3rd Street NE at Alfred Avenue, after two vehicles were seen driving erratically. A Ford F-150 pick-up truck had reportedly struck a Pontiac Montana minivan, forcing the van to knock over a fire hydrant. Police arrested Ruby Pearl Whitford, 56, for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. She was held in custody on this charge, as well as two counts of mischief to property under $5000.00 and causing a disturbance. Investigators are still seeking the occupants of the minivan, who fled the scene before police could arrive. Anyone with knowledge of this incident is encouraged to contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445, or their local detachment.

ARMED ROBBERY AT DAYS INN
On July 20, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Days Inn on Highway 1, where a male and female suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. The male is described as Indigenous, seen wearing black clothing, white gloves and a while covering over the lower portion of his face. The female entered the hotel several minutes prior, seen wearing a pink tank top, black and white tights, and beige boots. She returned minutes later wearing a black hooded sweater, black sunglasses, and a black bandana over her face. Investigators ask that anyone who can identify these suspects contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445.

SPEEDY DRIVING
On July 22, a motorist was observed travelling at 135 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 1. The male driver (54 years old) was issued a fine in the amount of $508.75.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
July 17:   49 calls for service
July 18:   38 calls for service
July 19:   56 calls for service
July 20:   54 calls for service
July 21:   48 calls for service
July 22:   37 calls for service
July 23:   31 calls for service

74 Traffic violations
63 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
3 Vehicle Collisions
8 Impaired Drivers
47 Provincial statues (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
18 Crimes against person
8 Assaults
2 Robbery
8 Uttering Threats
36 Crimes against property
16 Thefts
4 Theft of Motor Vehicles
10 Mischiefs to Property
6 Break and Enters
61 Other Criminal Investigations
77 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)