RCMP are crediting their Police Service Dog, Jolt, for helping them to locate a fleeing suspect.

On Wednesday, at around 12:25 p.m., Amaranth RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving in and out of yards on Road 50 West in the RM of Westlake-Gladstone. 

When police arrived at the scene, the side-by-side off-road vehicle had become inoperable, and the suspects had fled into a nearby wooded area. 

Police quickly determined the vehicle was stolen from the Sandy Bay First Nation area. With assistance from the Manitoba First Nations Police, the area was contained, and RCMP Police Dog Services was called to assist.

ORV stolen

While the RCMP Police Dog Services was en route, a female exited the wooded area and was taken into custody. The male suspect, who had been warned by officers that the police dog was on its way, remained hidden in the woods.

When Jolt arrived at the scene, she was able to quickly locate the male suspect on the other side of the bush line, attempting to conceal himself in a woodpile. He tried to flee a second time but was apprehended by Jolt and her handler. 

32-year-old Blake Beaulieu of Winnipeg, who was wanted on warrants for several offences, including two assaults and robbery with other offensive weapons, has now added numerous new charges to that list. 

Beaulieu remains in custody.

The investigation continues.