On August 23, 2016, at approximately 4:00 pm, a RCMP Westman Traffic Services officer stopped a vehicle for speeding eastbound on Highway #1 near Oak Lake, MB. The vehicle was caught travelling in excess of 150 km/hr.
 
The vehicle, a black pickup truck, stopped but fled before the officer made contact with the driver. At the same time, the officer was informed that the vehicle had been previously reported stolen in Alberta.

The vehicle proceeded to drive through the median ditch and into the opposite lane of Highway #1 towards oncoming traffic. The officer terminated the pursuit and continued to follow at a safe distance. No collisions were reported.

The officer later observed the vehicle turn onto a gravel road. The Virden RCMP detachment was notified and two officers set-up ahead of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle failed to slow down for the officers, lost control and swerved into a ditch full of water and came to a stop near Road 50 N and Road 143 West.

Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident. They originally provided false names but have since been positively identified.

A loaded pistol and a sawed-off pellet gun made to look like a sawed-off rifle were found in the vehicle and seized.

Joseph Kardelis (32) and Jake Pinder (22), both from Alberta, face several charges including flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, firearms charges, failing to comply with various court orders and possession of property obtained by crime. Each also had out of province arrests warrants.

"This was a very dangerous situation for our officers and for the public." said Sgt. Mark Hume, RCMP Westman Traffic Services. "The rapid and professional response of our officers throughout the incident was critical to the safe apprehension of two armed and wanted individuals who appeared to have no regard for public safety."

The suspects are scheduled to appear in Brandon Provincial Court on Wednesday. They remain in custody.