A 38-year-old Portage la Prairie man is facing numerous charges, including attempted murder, in connection to a recent domestic incident that occurred at an apartment complex in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

On February 15, 2019, at approximately 1:25am, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a call of a fire and possible domestic situation at an apartment complex located on 5th Street in Portage la Prairie.

When the first officer arrived on scene, he observed thick black smoke coming from the basement apartment and could hear screaming coming from inside. The officer then entered the building, noticing the door to the apartment was open and full of smoke. He ran inside and assisted a 41-year-old female from the apartment. The officer then entered the apartment a second time, encountering a 38-year-old male who refused directions to leave. As a result, the officer had to physically remove the man from the apartment.

Portage la Prairie Fire Department, Emergency Services and RCMP officers assisted with evacuating the rest of the complex.

Police believe that the male and female were in the apartment when the male started a fire. The female tried to leave but was held against her will and suffered injuries as a result of the fire. She is currently being treated in hospital.

RCMP report that the 38-year-old male suspect, from Portage la Prairie, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson-disregard for human life and forcible confinement.