Steinbach RCMP and their dog were called to a scene in the RM Ste. Anne on Wednesday after a heavily intoxicated driver crashed a vehicle into a culvert.

Police were dispatched to the incident along Provincial Road 207 at 3:30 PM.

RCMP say a Police Dog named Gainer helped with the search (Photo credit: Steinbach RCMP).

The suspect was allegedly observed drinking and driving before he hit the ditch. Soon after crashing, nearby witnesses informed police that he had staggered away from the scene, smelling strongly of alcohol.Police began patrolling the area in an effort to locate the suspect who had fled to a nearby residence.

According to RCMP, a Police Dog named Gainer arrived on scene to assist with the investigation. A combination of the Gainer’s tracking abilities and footprints left in the snow eventually led police to a garage where the suspect was hiding.

 Police say he was found to have a blood alcohol content over three times the legal limit. A subsequent investigation revealed several containers of alcohol in the vehicle.

35-year-old Jonathan Edward Forsyth of La Broquerie is now facing multiple charges including operating a vehicle while impaired and obstruction of police. RCMP say he was released from custody with a promise to appear in Steinbach Provincial Court.