Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 2:40 AM this morning, Police received a report of a male who had sprayed several people with “bear spray” in the 100 block of 17th St.  Officers attended and found that 4 people were sprayed by an aboriginal male suspect who had fled prior to Police arrival.  It appears that the suspect got angry when he was advised there was no alcohol at that location and in response he sprayed the four victims.  The can of pepper spray was recovered on scene. One of the victims was taken to hospital for treatment, but later released, the other three were treated by BFES on scene.  The matter is still under investigation.

Zeel B. Patel has been selected to receive an $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study Physics/Astronomy at University of Waterloo. A graduate of Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon, MB, Zeel B. Patel will be entering the Bachelor of Science in Physics & Astronomy this Fall. Zeel B. Patel was selected by the Crocus Scholarship Committee for her outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements. This is the 2nd Nominee to win a Schulich Leader Scholarship at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School. "Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest STEM scholarships in Canada. With 50 outstanding students selected in Canada each year it is all but guaranteed that this group represents the best and brightest Canada has to offer. These students will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of technology innovators" Program Founder, Seymour Schulich "Receiving the notice of offer from the Schulich Leader Scholarships Program was like a dream come true because this is my dream school.  I felt overwhelmed; it seemed far-fetched until it actually happened!  I'm grateful and honoured to have been selected to receive such a prestigious scholarship." Scholarship Recipient, Zeel B. Patel "Zeel shows a level of dedication to her academic growth (as well as all other aspects of her life) that clearly sets her apart from her peers. Also, Zeel is truly selfless in her service to both her school and her community.  Thanks to Zeel's success, our students see that 'anything is possible' if they commit to pursuing excellence." CPRSS Principal, Chad Cobbe

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Impaired Driving / Drive while Prohibited At approx. 5:00 on Friday evening officers conducted a vehicle stop in the area of 18th St near the Corral Centre.  The driver, a 44-year-old male from Sioux Valley, displayed obvious signs of impairment and was arrested for Impaired driving.  The driver who is already prohibited from driving Canada wide, provided two samples of his breath with readings in excess of 3 times the legal limit.  He was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Centre until sober and will be released on a Promise to Appear in Court on June 6th. Impaired Driving At approx. 5:20 Friday evening Police received a call of an impaired driver leaving the Liquor Mart at 10th and Victoria.  The vehicle had left at the time of the call and prior to Police arrival on scene.  Shortly after a second call was received of what sounded like the same suspect leaving the Liquor Mart in the Corral Centre.  The vehicle was located by officers in the Corral Centre parking lot and the driver was arrested for impaired driving.  The 44-year-old Brandon male, provided two samples of his breath resulting in readings just slightly less than 3 times the legal limit.  He was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Centre and will be released to appear in Court on June 6th.

BRANDON—The Manitoba government is investing close to $500,000 to support law enforcement and intervention initiatives in Brandon, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced here today. “These investments underscore our government’s commitment to keeping Manitoba families safe in their homes and communities,” said Cullen.  “It will give law enforcement the tools they need to respond to threats in the community safely, but also help prevent criminal activity through interventions with at-risk individuals.” Almost $400,000 will be provided to the Brandon Police Service to purchase an armoured rescue vehicle (ARV), to ensure safe tactical responses to critical incidents in Southwestern Manitoba.  The minister noted the vehicle will ensure officer and public safety during firearms related incidents and the vehicle will be accessible to other police agencies in the Westman region. “It has been a real privilege to work collaboratively with the province on this project,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon.  “The new rescue vehicle will greatly enhance safety for citizens and officers throughout our region.” The ARV is equipped with ballistic armour and has the capacity to carry up to 10 fully equipped members for deployment or training. “The support of the Manitoba government for an armored rescue vehicle is another important step to ensure protection of citizens and officers alike,” said Chief Wayne Balcaen, Brandon Police Service.  “The ARV will be available not only for the Brandon Police Service and our city, but all our policing partners and communities all across the Western area, helping increase safety for everyone in our region.” The minister also announced $80,000 for Community Mobilization Westman, which brings social service professionals together twice a week to sit at a ‘HUB table’ where individuals or families at risk are connected to supports and services proactively.  Participating agencies include the RCMP, Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services, and Prairie Mountain Health.  Through this collaboration, services are often delivered on the same day.  Funding will support one full-time co-ordinator dedicated to the project, as well as additional operating costs. The community mobilization investment is being made through Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy, made possible by more than $2.3 million in funding over two years from the Government of Canada through its Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund.  Funding for the ARV comes from the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund, which is comprised of funds seized from federally prosecuted Criminal Code offences. For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/safe/cpf/index.html. (Source: Province of Manitoba News Release)

Police responded to a report of an accident occurring in the 3400 block of Victoria Ave between a cyclist and a vehicle shortly after 9:00 am. Initial investigation has revealed that it is believed the cyclist was travelling northbound on 34th street in the crosswalk. The motorist was travelling west bound on Victoria Ave, and attempting to turn north bound onto 34th street when the collision occurred. The 70-year-old male cyclist was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was treated and released with minor injuries. This accident is still under investigation. Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release