The following is a summary of police activity in the Central Plains Area (Portage la Prairie, Treherne, Amaranth and the surrounding Rural Municipalities). The reporting dates are between April 24 and April 30, 2017. During this time period police responded to: 359 calls for service.

POLICE CATCH IMPAIRED DRIVERS

Portage la Prairie RCMP were patrolling the area of 2nd Street NW shortly after 1:00 a.m. April 25, when they came across a vehicle whose license plates did not match the type of vehicle to which they were attached. Once in contact with the female driver, 40, officers quickly determined that she was showing signs of intoxication, and had disclosed that she did not have a driver’s license. The driver was arrested, issued a demand to provide samples of her breath for analysis, and refused to do so. The vehicle was towed and impounded at the owner’s expense for a minimum of 60 days. The driver will be before the courts on several driving related offences.

Shortly before 10:00 pm April 26, Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the area of Hwy 1 nearing MacGregor, as an erratic driver had other motorists concerned. Shortly after the first call, police would learn that the suspect’s vehicle had struck another in a parking lot. Officers arrived on scene and found a male driver, 47, behind the vehicle of an unregistered car. The driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, with his subsequent breath samples over double the legal limit. The vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 60 days at the owner’s expense. The driver will be before the court on several driving related offences.

At 10:22 p.m. April 26, the Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to another call of possible impaired driving on Hwy 1, where the vehicle had turned off towards Southport. Officers found the vehicle suspect’s vehicle stuck in a field, where the driver and passenger were attempting to get it free. The male driver, 41, was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and would refuse to provide samples of his breath for analysis. The vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 60 days. The driver was held in police custody until such time as he could be brought before the court, as he had also had a warrant for his arrest.

Treherne RCMP were patrolling the area of St. Claude close to midnight, when they observed a pick-up truck leaving the area of Tall Boys Bar and Grill. The vehicle did not stop immediately when officers turned their lights and sirens on, nor did the driver stay with the vehicle when they did eventually pull over. Investigators quickly determined that the female driver, 47, was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and her subsequent breath samples were over the legal limit. The suspect’s vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of 30 days at the owner’s expense. The driver will be before the court on several driving related offences.

MALE SUSPECT EVADES CAPTURE

Shortly before 6:00 am, the Portage la Prairie RCMP received several calls regarding a white SUV driving in an erratic manner around the city. Occupants of the vehicle were reportedly throwing beer cans out the windows. Officers located the vehicle on Tupper Street S and stopped it. Once in contact with the driver and other 4 occupants, investigators learned that there was open alcohol and marihuana inside the vehicle, as well as a can of bear spray. All were arrested for possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The female driver, 22, was issued a fine for having liquor where it cannot be kept. One male occupant fled the scene on foot before officers could search him, but his identity is known to police, and a warrant for his arrest is being sought at this time.

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

Portage la Prairie RCMP were informed of a reported ‘road rage’ incident on Tupper Street N around 7:20 p.m. April 30. Investigators spoke to the driver and occupants of the damaged vehicle, who advised that a Ford F-350 pick-up truck had been following their vehicle for some time. When they stopped at an intersection the driver, and at least one occupant from the truck, got out and smashed the back window of their vehicle. The suspects in this matter have been identified and investigators are looking at all possible motives for this incident to have taken place. The male truck driver, 20, could be charged with mischief to property, as well as various traffic related offences. The matter is still under investigation.

ROUGH PLAY IN PORTAGE

Portage la Prairie RCMP have had to respond to several calls from across the city in regards to ‘ultimate fighting’ taking place in parks or on school yards after hours. In each instance investigators spoke with the groups of youths who were play fighting or otherwise being active. Police do not believe that there is anything illegal happening in any of these incidents, but do appreciate being made aware of any violence taking place in parks or around schools. Police want to encourage anyone living close to these areas to be mindful that children who are hurt as a result of rough play may need your help in calling an ambulance or a parent.

BUTT OUT WHEN KIDS PRESENT

Portage la Prairie RCMP received a call from a concerned motorist April 24 who observed two adult males in a black Jeep, both smoking cigarettes, while small children were in the back seat. Police wish to remind all motorists that under The Highway Traffic Act, it is an offence to smoke tobacco products inside a motor vehicle while another person younger than 16 years old is inside. The spirit behind this law was the same that brought about the prohibition of using a hand-operated electronic device; it is designed to promote safer and healthier conditions in motor vehicles and on our roads.

If you have any information that could lend assistance in the investigation of these crimes or others, please contact your local RCMP, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SUMMARY

April 24:   61 calls for service
April 25:   37 calls for service
April 26:   48 calls for service
April 27:   51 calls for service
April 28:   60 calls for service
April 29:   41 calls for service
April 30:   61 calls for service

125 Traffic violations
109 Traffic Offences (Highway Traffic Act)
3 Vehicle Collisions
13 Impaired Drivers
46 Provincial statues (Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Coroner’s Act, 911 Act, etc.)
17 Crimes against person
12 Assaults
1 Assault with Weapon
4 Uttering Threats
38 Crimes against property
14 Thefts
5 Theft of Motor Vehicles
14 Mischiefs to Property
5 Break and Enters
47 Other Criminal Investigations
86 Other Police Activities (False Alarms, Suspicious Person/Vehicle, Assistance Given, etc.)