Manitoba RCMP say a hitchhiker who stabbed a driver has been shot and killed by police.

Police say Mounties responded to a report of a stabbing Wednesday morning off of Highway 16 in Westbourne, a community northwest of Portage la Prairie.

Police say the male hitchhiker reportedly attacked and stabbed the driver without provocation. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road.

The hitchhiker fled on foot and later officers received a call about a man attempting to enter vehicles at the junction of Highway 16 and Highway 50.

When they located the suspect, police say there was a confrontation and the man was shot by an officer. Police provided first aid until paramedics arrived, however, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say they are not releasing information on the man until the next of kin can be notified.

RCMP officers for Portage la Prairie, Amaranth, and Neepawa had all responded to the call.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has been notified and is taking control of the officer-involved shooting investigation. Manitoba RCMP continue to investigate the stabbing incident.

As of Wednesday evening, the stabbing victim was in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.