The following is a summary of police activity in the Central Plains Area (Portage la Prairie, Treherne, Amaranth and the surrounding Rural Municipalities) provided by the Portage la Prairie RCMP detachment. The reporting dates are between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2, 2016. During this time period police responded to: 375 calls for service

Charges laid after foot pursuit
RCMP say they responded to a disturbance on Poplar Bay Oct. 2, when several officers attended the area, after witnesses indicated that one male suspect was armed with a knife. A short foot pursuit of two male suspects resulted in both being taken into custody on charges of assault, uttering threats, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failing to comply with a probation order. Howard Dakota Kennedy, 35, and Vernon Garry Catcheway, 28, were remanded into custody, set to appear before the court on Oct. 3, 2016.

Alleged assault with a weapon
Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to several calls of a large group of people in the area of 5th Avenue NE and Oak Bay Sept. 30. Patrols of the area dispersed some of the crowd, but officers soon learned of an assault with a weapon having taken place. The investigation is still underway, and the cooperation of witnesses and the victim will determine whether charges are laid.

Break and enter at Dakota Plains
Portage la Prairie RCMP are asking for the assistance of the community in regards to a break and enter to the Dakota Plains Health Centre Sept. 27. At some point overnight, several computers and office items were stolen from the building. Evidence left behind by the suspects are being assessed by Property Crime Examiners (PCE’s) for fingerprints and DNA. If you have knowledge of someone’s involvement in this incident, please contact your local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

Vandalism in Oakville
Portage la Prairie RCMP are asking for the assistance of the community in identifying suspects involved with property damage in and around Oakville Sept. 29. Police say several signs and buildings were “tagged” with graffiti overnight. Property owners are hoping that someone might be able to identify suspicious people or vehicles that may have been involved. Investigators are asking that anyone with information contact their local police detachment.

Motor vehicle collisions
Two tractor trailers were involved in a collision on Hwy 1, East of Hwy 13, in the westbound lane of traffic Sept. 28. As one semi was parked on the shoulder of the roadway, another struck the attached trailer from behind. Both drivers suffered no serious injuries, and traffic was able to be diverted into the passing lane while the scene was cleaned up. Charges are pending in this incident, which is still under investigation.

Portage la Prairie emergency services responded to a fatal collision on Hwy 1 at Hwy 13 in the RM of Portage la Prairie Sept. 29. A 72-year-old male died at the scene, after the vehicle he was driving collided a tractor trailer at the intersection. Transported from the scene via STARS helicopter was a 73-year-old female passenger. The driver of the semi was uninjured. The incident is still under investigation, with any charges in the matter dependent upon witnesses and the findings of the RCMP Forensic Traffic Reconstruntionist.

Portage la Prairie emergency services responded to a fatal collision on Hwy 1 near the Flying J gas station, involving a tractor trailer and a pedestrian Oct. 2. A 31-year-old male was pronounced deceased on scene. There are no charges laid against the driver at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing, and pending a RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist’s report on the incident.

Intoxicated driving
On Oct. 2, early morning patrols along Saskatchewan Avenue resulted in officers stopping a vehicle driving without its headlights on. Officers came in contact with the male driver, 18, who displayed signs of having recently consumed alcohol. The driver failed a roadside screening device and was arrested for impaired operation of motor vehicle. His subsequent breath samples were nearly double the legal limit. The vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 30 days at the owner’s expense.

Shortly after 11:00 AM on Oct. 2, several callers advised police of an erratic driver on Hwy 1, eastbound towards Portage la Prairie. Officers located the suspect vehicle and came in contact with the female driver (35 years old). The driver displayed several signs of being intoxicated, and was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. The driver’s subsequent breath samples were over the legal limit, and so the vehicle was towed and impounded or a minimum of 30 days at the owner’s expense.

Speedy driving
A 51-year-old male driver was issued a fine in the amount of $756.75 after being observed travelling at 134 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Hwy 1 Sept. 26

A motorist was observed travelling at 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1 Sept. 27. The male driver, 31, was issued a fine in the amount of $626.25.

RCMP observed a motorist travelling at 94 km/h in a 60 km/h construction zone on Saskatchewan Avenue Oct. 1. The female driver, 58, was issued a fine in the amount of $940.00. Motorists are reminded that speed fines are double in construction zones.

On Oct. 2, a motorist was observed travelling at 147 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Hwy 1. The male driver, 26, was issued a fine in the amount of $665.75.

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
182 Traffic violations
167 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
8 Vehicle Collisions
7 Impaired Drivers
26 Provincial statutes (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
22 Crimes against person
14 Assaults
3 Assault with Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm
5 Uttering Threats
30 Crimes against property
11 Thefts
2 Theft of Motor Vehicles
7 Break and Enters
10 Mischiefs to Property
57 Other Criminal Investigations
58 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)

Sept 26: 41 calls for service
Sept 27: 51 calls for service
Sept 28: 42 calls for service
Sept 29: 62 calls for service
Sept 30: 71 calls for service
Oct 1: 71 calls for service
Oct 2: 37 calls for service