Community Alert: Firearm Seized After ATV Crash in Portage la Prairie

Section 1: Incident Overview

On the afternoon of July 2, 2026, officers from Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to an ATV rollover behind a business in the 2200-block of Saskatchewan Avenue West, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The collision occurred at approximately 4:25 p.m. along a walking path, where an all-terrain vehicle carrying two occupants left the path and flipped into a ditch.

When police and medical personnel arrived, they found the ATV upside down, with a male driver receiving medical care and a female passenger sitting nearby. Both were transported to hospital and treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening. During the on-scene investigation, officers located a loaded shotgun near the overturned ATV, which was immediately seized as evidence.

Section 2: Official RCMP Details

According to the RCMP, the ATV had been travelling southwest along a walking path behind the business area before it rolled into the ditch. As officers secured the scene and examined the surroundings, they discovered a loaded firearm close to the crashed vehicle. This discovery led to multiple firearms-related charges against both occupants.

The male driver has been identified by police as 26-year-old Jonah Perswain. He was arrested and faces a series of criminal charges connected to the operation of the ATV and the presence of the firearm:

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Unsafe storage of firearms
• Possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized
• Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Weapons possession contrary to order (two counts)
• Failure to comply with a probation order (two counts)

Police report that Perswain was held in custody overnight following his arrest and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

The female passenger, described by RCMP as a 47-year-old woman from Edwin, Manitoba, was also charged in relation to the firearm found at the scene. Her charges include:

• Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Unsafe storage of firearms

She was released on an undertaking while the case proceeds. RCMP state that the investigation remains active.

Residents seeking broader context on crime and safety trends in the area can review the Portage la Prairie crime statistics and safety report to understand how firearm-related and vehicle offences fit within the community’s overall risk profile.

Section 3: CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights two serious public safety concerns for Manitoba communities: unsafe operation of off-road vehicles in public spaces and the risks posed by improperly stored or unlawfully possessed firearms. A loaded shotgun discovered at the scene of a collision near a commercial area and walking path underscores how quickly an isolated event can become a significant safety issue for bystanders and first responders.

We encourage residents in and around Portage la Prairie to use ATVs only where permitted, to operate them cautiously on or near shared-use paths, and to ensure that all firearms are stored, transported, and possessed strictly in line with Canadian law. Reporting impaired, dangerous, or reckless driving—whether involving ATVs or other vehicles—can help prevent serious injuries. Likewise, if you become aware of unsafe firearm storage or suspected illegal possession, contacting local police or Crime Stoppers can play a direct role in reducing the risk of violence and accidental harm in your community.

For ongoing awareness, community members can consult Portage la Prairie safety and crime data to track patterns over time and stay informed about emerging public safety concerns.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the manitoba community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.