On February 12, 2021, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Winnipeg Police Service General Patrol officers from Central District attempted a traffic stop of a Jeep Patriot near the intersection of Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard after observing several HTA infractions. The driver refused to stop and proceeded to drive through a red light. The Jeep fled, reaching speeds of approximately 100 Km/h. Officers did not pursue the vehicle out of concerns for public safety and called for the assistance of Air1.
Air1 maintained visual containment of the Jeep as it fled into the Wolsely neighbourhood. General Patrol units attempted to stop the vehicle in the 600 block Westminster where the Jeep collided with a police cruiser and then struck a building, rupturing the natural gas line.
The driver was arrested and did not require medical attention.
Multiple apartments and residences were evacuated as a result of the gas leak. Approximately 60 residents were sheltered in City of Winnipeg transit buses. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic personnel, along with Manitoba Hydro employees, were able to repair the leak and residents were allowed to return to their homes at approximately 3:45 a.m.
Robbie Kent McLEAN, 47, was charged with:
- Dangerous Operation of Conveyance
- Flight While Pursued by Police
- Operate a Conveyance While Prohibited
- Warrant of Arrest for Fail to Comply with Probation x 2
He was detained in custody.