A routine drive on the Trans-Canada Highway quickly turned alarming for motorists east of Portage la Prairie when a man allegedly waved what appeared to be a handgun through the sunroof of his vehicle while driving. Portage la Prairie RCMP say the incident occurred on July 21 at approximately 11:50 a.m., prompting a swift police response and the eventual arrest of a Winnipeg man. According to the RCMP, officers received a report of a male driver operating a vehicle erratically on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Portage la Prairie. Police say the driver had passed another vehicle before allegedly displaying a handgun through the vehicle's sunroof, causing concern for other motorists travelling on the busy highway. The report triggered an immediate search for the suspect vehicle. Related stories: 3D-printed weapon seized during arrest of wanted suspect Young lives lost and others injured during devastating weekend across Manitoba ▶️ Listen to this news story on the radio: Country 93 / Mix 96 / CFRY 920 Arrest made west of Portage With assistance from Amaranth RCMP, officers located the vehicle approximately 20 minutes later, travelling west of Portage la Prairie. Police initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 16, where the driver was arrested without incident. Following the arrest, officers searched the vehicle and seized what was later determined to be an airsoft replica BB handgun. While the weapon was not a real firearm, the RCMP notes that replica weapons can appear virtually indistinguishable from genuine firearms, particularly in fast-moving or high-stress situations. A 25-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, two counts of uttering threats, and common nuisance causing injury. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in September. Highway incident raises safety concerns Although no physical injuries were reported, the incident highlights the dangers that can arise from aggressive or threatening behaviour on Manitoba highways. Police continue to remind motorists to report dangerous driving immediately and to avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. Even when a weapon later proves to be an imitation, officers say those encountering it have no way of knowing that in the moment, making incidents like this particularly serious. Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving or threatening behaviour on Manitoba roadways is encouraged to contact police as soon as it is safe to do so.