RCMP have tweeted out that public safety is no longer a concern in Portage la Prairie after afternoon manhunt.

***UPDATE 8:35 p.m.***

The RCMP of Manitoba have said the armed suspect has been apprehended. Public safety in Portage la Prairie is no longer a concern.

***UPDATE 7:15 p.m.***

All Portage la Prairie schools are now releasing students to parents or guardians only.

The situation is ongoing.

***UPDATE 5:05 p.m.***

The lockdown on schools in Portage la Prairie has been all but lifted around the city except for Fort la Reine School. Bus students will still be bussed home but will be a little late because of the delay. Parents are urged to pick up their children from the schools when they can.

The situation is still ongoing.

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Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of a stolen vehicle entering their detachment area. Initial reports indicated that there were multiple firearms inside the vehicle. Portage la Prairie RCMP Const. Sean O'Keefe says officers had information to believe that the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of stolen firearms.

"The vehicle was brought to a stop at Panko's Food Store where two female suspects were taken into custody and one male suspect fled on foot," says O'Keefe. "The Portage la Prairie RCMP are actively seeking this male suspect that may be armed with a long gun."

Portage la Prairie RCMP, along with neighbouring detachments, is presently searching for the male, and ask that all residents in the area remain inside their homes, and call in any suspicious activity.

Portage schools are under lockdown for the safety of the children, and police will notify those schools and residents once the suspect is in custody.