RCMP Responds to Two Armed Standoffs in One Night

URGENT UPDATE: Manitoba’s RCMP Emergency Response Team was deployed twice within hours on October 8, 2023, to handle separate armed standoffs in Portage la Prairie and Fisher River. These incidents unfolded in rapid succession, highlighting a night of intense police activity aimed at ensuring public safety.

The first standoff began at approximately 6 p.m. in Portage la Prairie. Local police sought a warrant to apprehend Aaron Penman, a 47-year-old man wanted on two outstanding warrants. Believing he was armed, authorities escalated the situation by calling in the Emergency Response Team. Officers surrounded the residence, deploying tear gas to force a resolution.

After gaining entry, officers discovered Penman inside, where he attempted to resist arrest. He was subdued with a Taser and taken into custody without any injuries reported. Penman faced a court appearance the following morning and remains detained, now facing additional charges for resisting arrest and disobeying court orders.

Just hours later, at around 10 p.m., the RCMP responded to a second situation in Fisher River. A 31-year-old man named Tyson Amos was barricaded inside his home, also believed to be armed and wanted on multiple warrants. The Emergency Response Team was again called in to manage the escalating situation.

After securing another entry warrant, officers entered the property early the next morning and successfully arrested Amos without any injuries. He now faces new charges for uttering threats and resisting arrest, in addition to his existing warrants, and has also been remanded in custody.

Authorities confirmed that both investigations are ongoing. In a statement, the RCMP expressed gratitude to the residents of both communities for their cooperation during these tense operations. “It’s about keeping everyone safe,” an RCMP spokesperson emphasized, noting the unpredictability of situations involving barricaded or potentially armed suspects.

The Emergency Response Team is activated in scenarios where there is a significant risk to public safety or when suspects may be armed. Residents are encouraged to report any information regarding wanted individuals or suspicious activities to their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers.

As these investigations continue, further updates are expected. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this unfolding situation.