Neepawa RCMP arrested a 27-year-old man from Winnipeg after a police pursuit that happened around 11:00 a.m. Friday.
Manitoba RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver who left the gas station in Gladstone after allegedly stealing fuel.
The caller said the man was possibly intoxicated driving a white SUV, heading westbound on Highway 16.
RCMP said a collision occurred between the police car and the suspect during the effort to stop him.
An officer attempted to stop the suspect and was dragged by the driver.
A firearm was discharged at this time, in an attempt to stop the man. Police said no one was injured. The officer managed to free himself, suffering minor injuries.
RCMP confirmed the vehicle the man was driving was stolen. He was located and placed into custody.
Witnesses at the local Subway and Tim Hortons tell CTV they heard sirens from various directions.
“All of a sudden, just cops everywhere,” said one woman, who doesn’t want to be identified.
The woman said she was passing through the drive-thru when she saw two police vehicles chasing a car. Then she heard a loud smash and believed there was a collision in the intersection.
The woman’s view was obstructed by a cruiser car, but she said she heard two “pops” and shortly after, she heard three more. She said people were scrambling and ducking.
#rcmpmb on scene of incident near Neepawa. Stolen vehicle hit police car during pursuit. Suspect in custody. No injuries. Update to follow.
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) February 5, 2016
Jesse E. Young of Winnipeg faces multiple charges for his alleged involvenment, including impaired driving, dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer, theft under $5,000, mischief over $5,000, flight from police, and resisting arrest.
Young is currently in custody and will appear in a Brandon courtroom on Monday.
CORRECTION: RCMP corrected an earlier news release that stated Young was from Fort McMurray, Alberta. This information was contained in an earlier version of this story.
