Police in Neepawa are turning to the public for help finding a man wanted on assault charges from last month. The Yellowhead & Spruce Plains RCMP is asking anyone who knows where 30-year-old Lester Pruden might be to come forward. The charges stem from an incident in June 2026, and Pruden has not been located since.
Officers describe Pruden as about 5’9″ tall with a thin build. They say he is known to spend time in several communities across the province, including McCreary, Sherridon, Dauphin, and Flin Flon. Because those towns are spread out over a large area, investigators think community tips will be key to tracking him down.
Police have a clear message for residents: do not try to approach Pruden yourself. Instead, call the Neepawa RCMP detachment directly at 204-476-7340 if you have information. You can also leave an anonymous tip through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service lets people share information without ever giving their name, which can be especially important in smaller communities.
The search for Pruden comes during a busy spell for local RCMP. In early July, officers arrested and charged someone after a separate assault at a business in nearby Minnedosa. A home invasion investigation in the Neepawa area last year also had police urging residents to watch for suspicious activity and call 911 if they felt unsafe. Those cases highlight why police want the public to stay alert but leave any direct contact with a wanted person to law enforcement.
Anyone with even a small piece of information is encouraged to contact police. They are especially interested in tips from people who live or work in the areas where Pruden is known to visit.
