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 May 22 and May 28, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 384 calls for service.

SUSPECT AT LARGE AFTER BREAK-IN
An early morning intruder alarm alerted Portage la Prairie RCMP to an uninvited guest at the Odd Fellows Apartments on Royal Road N May 26. Police searched the entire building, finding at least two suspects in the building. The first was able to escape after a foot pursuit, but the second was held down by local security and a caretaker. The first suspect is still at large, but the second, Rodney Kirk Cousins, 33, was arrested for breaking and entering. He was held in custody until such time as he could be brought before the court. Investigators are asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to 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 .

VANDALS STRIKE
A resident in the 400 block of 3rd Street NW was shocked to find their mailbox had been damaged by a firework May 23. At least one other home was damaged that same night with rocks, and two vehicles were spray painted. In each instance no suspects were seen in the area before or after the damage was done. Police are asking members of the community to call in suspicious activity when it is happening. A quick response to incidents such as these goes a long way to catching those responsible. Police also wish to remind those involved that mischief to property is a criminal offence, and carries a steep punishment.

MAN FACES CHARGES
The Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the Red Apple on Saskatchewan Avenue shortly after 3:00 p.m. May 24, as an agitated male was causing a disturbance in front of the store. Investigators would quickly determine that the male, identified as Joseph Henry Gagne (40 years old), was bound to multiple court imposed conditions, several of which he was presently breaching. Gagne was arrested and taken into police custody. Officers would learn shortly thereafter that Gagne had allegedly stolen several items from the Red Apple store as well. He was held until such time as he could be brought before the court on charges of theft and failing to comply with a probation order.

STREET RACING ON SASKATCHEWAN AVENUE
A 19 year old male from Portage la Prairie, and a 22-year-old male from Winnipeg were stopped after officers observed them racing on Saskatchewan Avenue May 25. Portage la Prairie RCMP had received an earlier call of these vehicles driving at excessive speeds and accelerating hard from stop lights. Officers issued tickets for careless driving and racing another vehicle. Both drivers will be required to appear before the court on these serious driving offences. Police wish to remind all motorists that their driver’s licenses are a privilege, not a right, and that the roadways are shared by other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

BREAK AND ENTER AT SALON
The investigation into a break and enter at Head Turnz hair salon is still underway. At 5:45 a.m. May 25 the Portage la Prairie RCMP were alerted to the crime in progress, when an employee disrupted at least two suspects who were attempting to steal hair products and styling equipment. The thieves fled through a hole they had cut in the wall from an adjoining unit. Evidence found at the crime scene is narrowing the search for those involved. If you have any information that could lend assistance to the investigation, 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 and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com .

IMPAIRED DRIVER CAUGHT
Shortly before 9:00 p.m. May 27 the Portage la Prairie RCMP were notified of a suspected impaired driver near the area of Dollarama. Officers located the suspect’s vehicle a short time later, and observed the male driver preparing to leave the area. The male, 55, was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, as he was displaying several signs of intoxication. The male reportedly refused to provide a sample of his breath, which carries the same punishment as being convicted of blowing over the legal limit. He was released from police custody after a short time, and is set to appear in court at later date. The vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 60 days at the owner’s expense.

SPEEDY DRIVING
A motorist was observed travelling at 146 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 1 on May 22. The female driver, 19, was issued a fine in the amount of $652.50.

On May 22, a motorist was observed travelling on Lorne Avenue in Portage la Prairie. The officer ran the vehicle’s license plate and was quickly informed that the vehicle was uninsured. Once the vehicle was pulled over the male driver, 28, advised police that he did not possess a valid driver’s license. The driver was issued tickets for three offences and the vehicle was towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

A motorist was observed travelling at 175 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 2 in the RM of Victoria May 26. The male driver, 24, was issued a fine in the amount of $1032.25.

On May 28, a motorist was observed travelling at 137 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 1. The male driver, 21, was issued a fine in the amount of $535.00.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY
May 22:   50 calls for service
May 23:   60 calls for service
May 24:   44 calls for service
May 25:   42 calls for service
May 26:   71 calls for service
May 27:   75 calls for service
May 28:   42 calls for service

150 Traffic violations
139 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
5 Vehicle Collisions
6 Impaired Drivers
40 Provincial statutes (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
17 Crimes against person
12 Assaults
3 Assault with Weapon
2 Uttering Threats
54 Crimes against property
16 Thefts
6 Theft of Motor Vehicles
20 Mischiefs to Property
12 Break and Enters
50 Other Criminal Investigations
73 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)