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 June 26 and July 2, 2017. During this time period, police responded to: 396 calls for service.

ARRESTS MADE IN SCHOOL BREAK-IN

Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the Dakota Plains School, as staff found a broken window and items missing from within the building. Witnesses indicated that a suspect had set off a fire extinguisher close by. As the investigation continued, officers located a stash of stolen goods, and three suspects were identified. Arrested in the matter was 1 adult male (18 years old), and two male youths (13 and 16 years old). All are before the courts on charges of breaking and entering, mischief to property and possession of property obtained by crime.

MANHUNT ENDS SAFELY IN PORTAGE

Portage la Prairie RCMP, along with neighbouring detachments responded to a stolen vehicle call, with the occupants reportedly in possession of several firearms. The vehicle was tracked to Portage la Prairie, where officers brought the car to a stop. A male suspect, believed to be armed with a long barrel firearm, fled on foot. As a precaution for the safety of the public and schools, police advised people to stay in the homes, and initiated a lockdown procedure through the Portage School Division. All suspects in the matter were taken into custody; two females were arrested in the vehicle, the male was shot and received non-life threatening injuries as a result. The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the injury.

STOLEN VEHICLE IN TREHERNE

Treherne RCMP are asking for the assistance of the community in locating a stolen pick-up truck. A resident on Road 53 N in the RM of North Norfolk reportedly had their grey 2006 GMC Sierra stolen. The vehicle was last seen with Manitoba license plate GJU 783. Investigators are asking everyone to keep an eye out for this vehicle, and do not approach anyone inside. Report the whereabouts of the vehicle to the Treherne RCMP at 204-723-2024, or anonymously through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com .

LASER TROUBLE IN SOUTHPORT

Portage la Prairie RCMP are concerned over some dangerous activity near Southport, as helicopter pilots have reported seeing ‘laser pointer’ lights when flying at night. Pointing a laser device at an aircraft carries a very severe penalty, but more importantly, could cause loss of life as a result of a crash. Investigators are asking that if you know the identity of the person(s) responsible for causing this risk to life, you contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com .

LONG WEEKEND TRAFFIC CRACKDOWN

Portage la Prairie RCMP stepped up traffic enforcement leading up to the long weekend. Officers came in contact with 33 drivers over the course of Friday, June 30th, issuing fines to 28 motorists for various offences. At least one impaired driver was found to be on the roadway that day. The female driver (29 years old) was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle after failing a roadside screening device. The vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 30 days at the owner’s expense.

Portage la Prairie RCMP continued their traffic enforcement, stopping 26 motorists throughout the day on July 1st. Of those stopped, 22 motorists were issued various fines. A male driver (23 years old) was stopped after another motorist found him asleep behind the wheel. The driver was arrested for impaired care and control of a motor vehicle as it wasn’t being actively driven, but could easily have been put in motion. As a result of the investigation it was determined that the driver’s blood alcohol level was not above the legal limit, but as he was presently bound to an intermediate driver’s license, he was required to have a level of zero. The driver was issued a fine for failing to comply with the requirements of his driver’s license.

Portage la Prairie RCMP observed a vehicle moving a high rate of speed along Pacific Avenue, between the CN and CP Rail lines. Once the vehicle was stopped officers learned that the male driver (51 years old) did not possess a valid driver’s license, as he was currently disqualified from driving anywhere in Canada. The driver was issued multiple fines, and the vehicle was towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

SLEEPY GUNMAN CHARGED

A concerned passerby found a male suspect asleep behind the wheel of a parked vehicle, North of Macgregor. The suspect reportedly had a firearm on his lap. Portage la Prairie RCMP attended and would eventually break the window on the vehicle in order to remove the firearm, a machete and the suspect. 

MINOR CRASH IN PORTAGE

Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision on Saskatchewan Avenue. Several people involved were treated on scene for minor injuries. During their investigation officers learned that the female driver (25 years old) who caused the collision did not have a valid driver’s license. The driver was issued fines for following too closely, driving without a valid license, and driving without liability insurance.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REPORTED

Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to several calls of a large group of people walking in the area of 4th Street NE and Saskatchewan Avenue, one reportedly carrying a machete. When officers arrived the crowd had dispersed, with only one male suspect (21 years old) still remaining. The suspect became aggressive towards police and was arrested for causing a disturbance. During the course of his arrest, police could not locate any weapons on the suspect, but did locate a substance believed to be cocaine on his person. The suspect was released from police custody a short time later, set to appear before the courts at a later date.


June 26:   43 calls for service
June 27:   54 calls for service
June 28:   57 calls for service
June 29:   83 calls for service
June 30:   75 calls for service
July 1:      49 calls for service
July 2:      35 calls for service

153 Traffic violations
110 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
3 Vehicle Collisions
3 Impaired Drivers
37 Provincial statues (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
14 Crimes against person
7 Assaults
1 Assault with Weapon
1 Robbery
5 Uttering Threats
49 Crimes against property
11 Thefts
7 Theft of Motor Vehicles
20 Mischiefs to Property
11 Break and Enters
87 Other Criminal Investigations
93 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)