Oakbank RCMP have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for several break-ins and thefts in the area.
On Saturday at approximately 8 pm, Oakbank RCMP responded to a report of an unknown male trying to break into a vacant residence in the Rural Municipality of Springfield. He fled in a vehicle which was confirmed to be stolen out of Winnipeg.
Officers attended and began making patrols in the area. RCMP received further reports on the stolen vehicle which led them to a residential area in the RM of St. Clements. Officers located the vehicle in a driveway and boxed it in. The suspect vehicle attempted to flee and rammed two police vehicles, but then got stuck in the snow.
Police say the driver refused to listen to police commands and continued to try and flee. Officers broke the window and were able to remove him from the vehicle.
The suspect was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a substantial amount of stolen property including purses, wallets, power tools, and other items.
Further investigation led officers to determine that the suspect was responsible for several other break-ins and thefts in the area and the stolen items were returned to the rightful owners.
Twenty-eight-year-old Billy Young of Winnipeg has been charged with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, two counts of breaking and entering with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of mischief, resisting arrest, and failing to comply.
He was remanded into custody.