***UPDATE Friday, 5:10 p.m.

RCMP released the identity of the suspect involved in yesterday's car chase and shooting.  Ten charges were laid against Carl Devin Beaulieu of Winnipeg.

The charges are:

  • Careless use of firearm X 1
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose X 1
  • Pointing a firearm x 1
  • Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle x 1
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle X 2
  • Mischief x 4

Beaulieu was remanded in custody and appears in Provincial Court in Portage la Prairie on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time.

 

***UPDATE: 4:17 p.m.

This morning at about 10:00 a short high-speed chase occurred just south of Portage la Prairie. A Chevy Impala was reported to be driving erratically, and police pursued the vehicle.

RCMP media relations officer Bert Paquet gave a media update this afternoon in Portage la Prairie, and says the 30 year old driver from Winnipeg was stopped near highway 240 as the police vehicle rammed the suspect's vehicle.

Paquet gave this statement:

"Around ten o'clock this morning, the Portage la Prairie detachment received a report of erratic driving. The vehicle was located by a patrolling officer. However, the suspect vehicle refused to stop. After a short pursuit, the vehicle was stopped by the officer near highway 240 and highway 1. During the interaction between the suspect and the officer, the officer discharged his service firearm. The victim was shot by the officer, but sustained no life-threatening injuries, and was taken to hospital."

Bullet holes on driver's side back doorPaquet notes reason for the shooting isn't known at this time, but a firearm was seized from the suspect's vehicle. The officer wasn't injured.

It was observed that a third vehicle was involved in the collision, but it's unclear what part it played in the incident.

"A 30 year-old male from Winnipeg was injured, and was transported to hospital with no life-threatening injuries. The I.I.U. (Independent Investigative Unit) will take over the carriage of this investigation or some aspect of it. The officer was not injured during the incident, and we are ensuring that he receives the support necessary and required following incidents such as these."

The RCMP vehicle rammed the suspect vehicle, leaving severe damage to the rear of the suspect's vehicle.

Paquet adds, "None of our officers start their shift with the thought they will be involved in an officer-involved shooting. Obviously, we're extremely satisfied with the fact that no one lost their lives, and that the injuries suffered by the suspect are non-life threatening. And again, our officer is fine."

***UPDATE: 1:10 p.m.:

RCMP are providing an update in front of the Portage la Prairie detachment at 2:15 p.m.  They report an officer involved in a shooting with one person injured and transported to hospital. The officer was not injured.

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Portage la Prairie RCMP are on the scene of an incident near the Portage by-pass. Police vehicles could be seen pursuing a vehicle earlier today, and now RCMP and police dogs can be seen searching the area. A Vehicle's also been spotted along the side of the road, in the area the police are searching.

***UPDATE 12:12 p.m.:

RCMP made a high speed chase along the TransCanada bypass at Portage la Prairie heading east toward Winnipeg. The bypass is currently blocked from traffic, and motorists are being redirected through town or down service roads. The area blocked extends from the Yellowquill trail at Dakota Tipi along the TransCanada and ends at the Southport exit. Officers on site say the way is blocked due to evidence along that stretch of the highway. Three vehicles were found off the road at the Southport exit, with one having extensive damage in the back end.