A report of an assault on 6th St NE in Portage la Prairie caused local RCMP to respond with information that a firearm was involved. It happened this past Friday, May 12, at about 11:45 p.m.

Police spoke to the victim who received minor physical injuries. Their investigation determined that a 15-year-old female was walking with another woman on 6th Street NE when a man ran toward her, tackled her to the ground, assaulted her, and took her phone. The girl was able to escape but the man chased her and again tackled her. This time, he directed a gun and threatened her. She once again escaped.

RCMP patrolled the area and located the suspect hiding in a residence on Yellowquill Trail.

Kaden West, 20, was arrested and a loaded makeshift firearm was seized. West is charged with several firearm charges, two charges of Assault with Weapon, Forcible Confinement, Resist/Obstruct a Peace Officer, and charges related to not complying with release orders and undertakings.

Additional investigation determined that West was also involved in a collision with a stolen vehicle earlier the same night. At about 10:15 p.m., Portage RCMP was informed that a hit-and-run took place at a residence on 7th Avenue NW. An SUV rammed into a parked vehicle on the street. A man matching the description of West was seen leaving the scene.

When police arrived, they learned the SUV was stolen, and West was charged for Driving Without a Licence and Driving Carelessly. The investigation continues.

West remains in custody.