On September 20, 2021, at approximately 1:25 am, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of an erratic driver travelling west on Highway 1, just east of Portage. The vehicle struck another vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was seen tailgating semi-trucks, continually changing speeds, stopping and backing up on the highway, driving with no lights on, and driving into oncoming traffic.
Officers were patrolling for the vehicle when they were updated that the suspect vehicle was driving in the oncoming lane, causing another vehicle to enter the ditch and roll. The RCMP observed the vehicle a short time later, just west of Portage on Highway 1. The police activated emergency equipment to stop the vehicle. The suspect vehicle attempted to flee, entered the ditch, and struck a culvert. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
With the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services, the suspect was apprehended. He suffered minor physical injuries. A 34-year-old male from Sainte Brigitte de Laval, Quebec was arrested. He is facing multiple charges.
The occupants of the vehicle that rolled suffered minor physical injuries.
The investigation continues.