A truck rammed five Winnipeg police cruisers in front of the police station on Monday, spurring a highway chase that ended in Portage la Prairie.

A witness said a white moving truck purposely rammed the cruisers parked on the street in downtown Winnipeg.

"It's very brazen, especially during the day," said Sgt. Nick Paulet, who added he has never seen such a bold show of destruction steps away from the main entrance of police headquarters.

The truck then sped away, south on Princess Street. Glass and other debris were littered on the road beside the cars.

Glenn Price, owner of a medicinal marijuana shop, was hosting a demonstration in front of the police station when it happened. An upset Price responded to the crash, saying he wanted the gathering to be peaceful. Police said the crash and rally are not connected.

More than a dozen police vehicles chased after the suspect's vehicle, which fled outside of Winnipeg.

Three RCMP detachments were involved in the chase, including Headingley, Portage la Prairie and Carman.

Four spike belts were used, said sources. At one point, the driver travelled into oncoming traffic to avoid a belt.

RCMP and Winnipeg police have joint jurisdiction in this case.

The vehicle was eventually stopped near the Portage Diversion around 1:15 p.m. on July 20.

"Manitoba RCMP confirms that the suspect believed to be responsible for damaging Winnipeg Police Service vehicles this morning has been arrested just west of Portage la Prairie after a pursuit," said RCMP in an email.

Bill Murray of B&R Transport said an employee received a ticket Monday morning for talking on a cellphone while driving.

He said he believes the traffic ticket led the driver to smash into five parked police cars before leading officers on the lengthy chase.

Police confirmed the driver was charged earlier in the day for distracted driving for using a cellphone.

Damage to the police vehicles is pegged at between $80,000 and $100,000.

Wayne Daniel Rennie, 24, faces several charges, including assault a peace officer with a weapon, flight while pursued by a peace officer and failing to comply with a probation order.

- with files from CTV's Jeff Keele, Jill Macyshon, Meghan Roberts and The Canadian Press