Portage la Prairie RCMP arrest male after bear spray discharged, firearms found at apartment

September 16, 2026 - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

Content

On Sept. 15, at approximately 3:30 a.m., RCMP responded to a disturbance at a residence on the 600-block of 6^th Street Northwest in Portage la Prairie.

A party was occurring at a residence within the apartment block and was spilling out into the hallway, with people getting sick. Officers responding to the scene noted the distinct smell of bear spray in the hallway.

After knocking on the apartment door and being granted entry, RCMP saw two unlocked and unloaded rifles with scopes leaning up against a wall as well as empty casings. Officers subsequently learned the male resident was under court-ordered conditions to refrain from possessing or consuming alcohol, illegal drugs and firearms.

The male was arrested without incident.

Tristen Houle, 25, of Portage la Prairie is charged with:

• Administering a noxious thing;
• Unsafe storage of firearms;
• Possessing a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized;
• Weapons possession contrary to order; and
• Failure to comply with a release order condition.

Houle was remanded into custody.