Manitoba First Nations Police Service charged an already suspended 41-year-old driver with having a prohibited weapon after going on a short chase.
Last Thursday, police in Sandy Bay First Nation saw the man driving in the community. They attempted to pull him over, but he accelerated at a high rate of speed and refused to stop. Eventually, his vehicle got stuck in a driveway on Centre Road and the man then fled on foot.
A foot chase ensued, and police were able to bring the suspect driver into custody a short time later.
The officers found that the suspect was intoxicated by alcohol. They also found “Brass knuckles,” which are a prohibited weapon in Canada. They then found a large amount of ammunition in the vehicle. Police say the suspect is prohibited from possessing ammunition and firearms.
Joseph William Demerais faces a total of 10 charges including:
- Impaired operation of a motor vehicle
- Refusal to provide breath sample
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Operation of a motor vehicle while being pursued by Police
- Possession of a prohibited weapon
- Possession of a prohibited weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition contrary to prohibition order x2
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
The accused was remanded into custody where he remains until his next court appearance.
