Quick RCMP response leads to arrest following suspicious door-to-door incidents

RCMP arrested a 26-year-old Portage la Prairie man after multiple residents reported a suspicious male armed with bear spray allegedly trying to enter homes and banging on doors in the city’s southeast end on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say the quick response of an officer already in the area led to the suspect being located nearby and taken into custody after a short foot chase.

Reports of suspicious behaviour

On April 28 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the RCMP received multiple calls from residents on 5th Street Southeast reporting a male acting suspiciously and carrying what was believed to be bear spray. Police say the man was reportedly banging on doors and attempting to gain entry into homes in the area.

An officer who was already in the vicinity began patrolling the neighbourhood immediately after the calls came in and located a suspect walking a short distance from the reported incidents.

Suspect arrested after brief foot chase

When officers approached, the suspect fled on foot but was arrested shortly afterwards on 4th Street Southeast. During the search of the area, RCMP say a can of bear spray was located along the route the suspect had taken while attempting to evade police.

Arnold Richard, 26, of Portage la Prairie, has been charged with possession of a weapon. Police say Richard was held in custody pending a court appearance.