The Portage la Prairie RCMP needed the help of its K9 unit after responding to an armed robbery.  

Yesterday, at approximately 9:50 p.m., RCMP say they got a call about the theft of a vehicle. Initial reports indicated a youth was in the car when it was stolen from a residence on Dufferin Ave. West in Portage. Officers say a 14-year-old girl was waiting in the vehicle when she was approached by two men.

The girl was sprayed with bear spray and then removed from the vehicle before the suspects drove off with it. Officers confirm the girl was treated for her injuries at the hospital and released. Police say the vehicle was involved in a collision on 3rd Street SE a few minutes later, and the two suspects fled on foot. After arriving, police say they learned it was the stolen vehicle involved in the collision.

A short time later, police say another report of an attempt to steal a vehicle came in from 4th Street SE and Countess Ave. Officers say the men were unsuccessful in getting into that vehicle and continued to run. K9 member Jolt was brought in and tracked one of the men to 4th Street NE and was walking northbound. The suspect attempted to run but was quickly apprehended. During his capture, police note he resisted arrest and tried to retrieve a knife from his pocket.

23-year-old Duncan Atkinson, from Long Plain, faces charges of robbery with a weapon, assault, failing to surrender, possession of a prohibited weapon, weapons possession contrary to order, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Police are still on the hunt for the second suspect.