One person is dead following a police shooting in La Broquerie early Friday morning.

At approximately 12:30 am, Steinbach RCMP were patrolling on Highway 52 near La Broquerie after receiving numerous reports of a suspicious male in the area. 

"We're still in the early stages of that part of the investigation, but there were numerous calls made regarding the same person kind of interacting within the same area," says Sergeant Laura LeDrew with RCMP Major Crime Unit.

While patrolling, officers allege that they saw a vehicle stopped near the intersection of Highway 52 and Nadeau Street, and observed a male standing by the driver-side door.

As officers approached, they saw the male reaching into the vehicle and assaulting the female driver while holding an edged weapon. 

"The male was interacting with the driver of a vehicle by essentially choking them out or assaulting the driver," says LeDrew.

Police say they ordered him to step away. He then approached the officers with the weapon. 

RCMP say that despite orders to drop the weapon, the suspect continued towards officers and an officer discharged their firearm. 

"There was a shot fired from the officer and the male did fall," says LeDrew.

Officers provided medical aid until Emergency Medical Services arrived. Police say the 51-year-old male from the Ste. Anne area was pronounced dead on scene.

The female driver sustained minor injuries from the assault.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is engaged and providing oversight. Witnesses or individuals who have information or video footage that may assist the investigation are asked to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.

Highway 52 was closed in that area all morning. 

"The investigation is obviously still underway," says LeDrew. "Just to be very clear that the loss of life at any time is going to be difficult for family and friends of the deceased."