Shortly after midnight on August 6, 2010, Portage La Prairie RCMP received a complaint of a possible impaired driver within the city limits.
Police located and observed the vehicle pull into the parking lot of the Sobey’s shopping mall situated at 21st Street and Saskatchewan Avenue.
When police attempted to obtain a better view of the vehicle and its occupants, the vehicle sped away. Police activated their emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle refused to stop for police and a pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle entered a rural area and traveled approximately one kilometre west on a dirt road.
The suspect vehicle then entered a ditch area and continued to travel approximately 200 to 300 yards and then into the Portage Diversion Water system. Police exited their vehicle and observed four people in the vehicle. The occupants managed to exit the vehicle and were coaxed by police to swim to shore. Three of the vehicle’s occupants were able to swim to shore while one male was observed to be in distress. Police attempted to rescue the male, however, he was seen to go under the water and was not seen to re-surface.
Emergency crews were called in to search the area, however, the male was not located and is presumed drowned. RCMP Underwater Recovery Team was contacted to assist.
As the investigation is still ongoing, the identities of those involved are not being released.
As per RCMP policy regarding any police-related incidents involving serious injury or death, an independent investigative agency has been called in to review the incident. In this instance Brandon Police Service will conduct the review.
Cpl. Bob Hodyr
Acting Media Officer
983-8497