On July 16, 2026, at 2:30 pm., while on patrol on Highway 391, Thompson RCMP observed a vehicle travelling toward them at a high rate of speed.

 

Officers engaged their emergency lights and turned around to pull the vehicle over. The suspect vehicle did not stop and turned down a gravel road off the highway and came to a stop at a dead end, where police noted five individuals were inside the vehicle.

 

As an officer approached, one of the males exited the vehicle and threw on object, later to be identified as bear spray into a nearby ditch.

 

Additional units arrived on scene, and while one of the males was being detained, another male fled from the vehicle into the dense bush. Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services were called to assist and multiple drones were launched to help search for the male.

 

At approximately 8:30 pm, the male was seen hiding in the ditch of Highway 391 by a drone operator. This led officers to the suspect’s location where he was arrested without incident.

 

A subsequent search of the vehicle was completed, and two full cans of bear spray were located in the trunk.

 

Four males, aged 15, 33, and two 24-year-olds, all from Nelson House, were arrested and charged with Possession of Weapon for dangerous purposes. They were released on Undertakings, and the youth was released to an adult.

 

The 21-year-old male, from Thompson that fled into the field was charged with the following;

 

• Flight from police;
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• Fail to comply probation order;
• Resist/obstruct peace officer; and
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purposes

 

He was remanded into custody.

 

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.