A 21-year-old Portage La Prairie man is facing numerous charges, including aggravated assault, after recently being arrested by RCMP in connection to a violent assault and robbery incident.
On April 28, 2019, at approximately 6:40am, officers from the Portage La Prairie RCMP responded to a report of an assault and robbery that had occurred at a rural residence located in the RM of Portage La Prairie. Officers responded to the residence and were advised by the homeowner that a 42-year-old Carberry woman had come to his door a few minutes earlier, appearing to be seriously injured.
Police say that the female victim was transported to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Officers met with the victim at the hospital who advised police that she had been picked up by a friend of hers in Carberry, along with another male, who then proceeded to assault her with a weapon. The victim was forced back into the vehicle where she was driven around the area and eventually thrown from it onto the side of the road. After walking for several hours, she located a residence where she was able to request assistance.
RCMP report that 21-year-old Austin Russell Wieler of Portage La Prairie was located and arrested, as he was found in possession of the victim’s vehicle. Wieler was remanded into custody on charges of aggravated assault, robbery, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime.
RCMP believe a second suspect was involved in this violent assault and are requesting anyone with related information to call the Portage La Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445 or CrimeStoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Portage La Prairie RCMP continue to investigate this incident.
