After hours of searching, Manitoba RCMP apprehended the armed suspect on the loose in Portage la Prairie, Man.
The Mounties tweeted just before 8:30 p.m. confirming that “Public safety in Portage no longer a concern” and that the suspect had been injured and apprehended.
Manitoba’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, were informed and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and injury.
During a news conference at 8:30 p.m. RCMP said they’d arrested the suspect at 6 p.m. The suspect was shot during the arrest and was transported to Winnipeg with non-life threatening injuries.
RCMP said the incident started when a vehicle was stolen from Headingley and located in Portage la Prairie during a traffic stop after it entered the detachment area. Initial reports were that there were multiple firearms in the vehicle.
After the suspect car was stopped at Panko’s Food Store two women were brought into custody. They were known to police.
A man fled on foot armed with a long gun.
WATCH: Viewer video shows armed officers searching Portage la Prairie
“The risk to public safety and police safety is very high so we respond with that safety in mind,” Cst. Sean O’Keefe said Tuesday afternoon.
The police search was focused north of Saskatchewan Avenue all the way to the railroad tracks and beyond.
Officers asked that residents “use common sense if they are travelling outside their home”.
WATCH: RCMP Constable briefs media on armed suspect on the loose in Portage la Prairie
RCMP first tweeted about the incident at around 3:45 p.m. saying there’s a heavy police presence in the city.
All schools in Portage la Prairie were placed in lockdown. Shortly after 7 p.m. all schools in the area were releasing children to their parents or guardians.