Manitoba RCMP is releasing a statement regarding the violence officers encountered while responding to a large party over the weekend.

Media was notified that on October 29, at 10:00 p.m., Red River RCMP received many calls for service due to a large party made up of youths at a residence on Saddleridge Lane in East St. Paul. When officers arrived at the residence, they were swarmed by approximately 70 intoxicated youths.

Some partyers jumped on two RCMP vehicles and proceeded to kick in a windshield on one vehicle, while another vehicle suffered significant damage to the roof and hood. 

While the vehicles were being damaged, officers realized that there was far more youth in attendance than what was thought. Including those damaging the vehicles, officers estimated that there were several hundred party-goers present at the residence.

Immediately, RCMP officers from Selkirk, Oakbank, Central Traffic Services, Police Dog Services, Winnipeg Police Service Canine Units and General Patrol officers arrived for backup.

During the incident, officers of a visible minority received racial epithets, other officers were spat on and had fireworks launched at them and their police vehicles. 

It could be seen by officers that excessive drug use and a severe level of intoxication were affecting many of the party attenders.

An intoxicated female youth was being dragged into a bush, and two male youths attempted to sexually assault her but officers intervened in the situation before anything progressed. The two males fled the scene. The female was transported to a local hospital for serious injuries.

"Some of the youth at this party were in vulnerable states and clearly in danger, yet many in attendance were preventing our officers from doing their jobs. We are very concerned that there may be more victims of crime that night, says S/Sgt Kyle McFadyen of the Selkirk RCMP in the news release. "We are asking anyone who may be a victim or who may have been a witness to a crime to contact us immediately."

"What occurred on Saturday and what our officers faced is unacceptable. The level of violence and the racist language directed at responding police officers is beyond disturbing. Be assured that we are reviewing video and audio captured by our police vehicles as well as the videos posted to social media. We will hold people accountable for their actions," says Superintendent John Duff, East District Commander, Manitoba RCMP.

No police officers were injured during the incident, however, damage to the residence, property and police vehicles is significant. There is currently no dollar value available.

The homeowner was out of the province at the time of the incident and is cooperating with police in the investigation.

If anyone has any information regarding this event or is a victim of a crime that night, the police wish to be in contact. Call the Red River North RCMP Detachment at 204-482-1222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.