On April 2, 2021, at approximately 8:15 pm, a Portage la Prairie RCMP officer on patrol observed an off road vehicle (ORV) side by side, go through a stop sign, and continue to drive erratically on 4th Street NW, in Portage la Prairie. The officer initiated a traffic stop however the ORV fled from police, lost control and spun out. The officer stopped his vehicle and the ORV started driving and struck the police vehicle, causing damage and injuring the officer.
The officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
A short time later, officers received a call about a male who was trying to get an ORV started in a field north of Portage la Prairie. RCMP attended and located the male walking away. He was arrested without incident. He was taken to the RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples that were over twice the legal limit.
Scott Taylor, 31, has been charged with Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance Causing Bodily Harm, Operation of a Conveyance while Impaired, Operation of a Conveyance with a blood alcohol content equal to or higher then 80 mg % Causing Bodily Harm, Failure to Stop at the Scene of a Collision and Flight from a Peace Officer. He was released on court ordered conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on May 18, 2021.
The RCMP would like to thank the numerous civilians who stopped and came to the aid of the injured officer as well as all the witnesses that provided information that led to the arrest of the accused.
Portage la Prairie RCMP continue to investigate.