Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On January 2, 2024, at approximately 1:55 am, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report that shots were heard coming from a residence on 2nd Street in the community. Police attended immediately and the male who answered the door at the residence attempted to retreat back into the house while reaching into his jacket. The male continued to resist arrest despite numerous directions by police. An officer deployed a conducted energy weapon, and the male was taken into custody.
When the male was taken into custody, police located a modified firearm on his person, behind a tactical vest he was wearing beneath his jacket.
As police were arresting the male, five individuals emerged from other areas of the house. They were also taken into custody, and a search of the home resulted in the seizure of 3 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, and approximately 80 grams of a substance believed to be purple down.
Tyrese Whitford, 22, from Portage, was arrested and facing multiple drug and firearm charges as well as Resist Arrest x3 and Assault Police Officer with a Weapon x2. He remains in custody.
A 25-year-old female, a 26-year-old female, a 45-year-old female, a 30-year-old male, and a 46-year-old male were also arrested at the house. They have all been released from custody with court dates.
Nobody was injured in regards to the initial report of shots fired.