Two men from Alberta are facing several weapons and driving charges after they were arrested by RCMP in Manitoba.
Police said at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, an officer with the RCMP Westman Traffic Services caught a black pickup truck travelling in excess of 150 km/hr on Highway #1 near Oak Lake.
RCMP said the vehicle stopped but sped off before the officer made contact with the driver.
Police said at the same time, the officer was informed that the vehicle was stolen in Alberta.
RCMP said the fleeing suspect drove through the median ditch and into the opposite lane of Highway #1 towards oncoming traffic.
They say the officer followed at a safe distance as two more units from the Virden RCMP division set-up ahead of the fleeing vehicle.
Police said the vehicle failed to slow down, lost control and swerved into a ditch full of water. It came to a stop near Road 50 North and Road 143 West.
RCMP said a loaded pistol and a sawed-off pellet gun made to look like a sawed-off rifle were found in the vehicle and seized.
Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident and they remain in custody.
Joseph Kardelis ,32, and Jake Pinder, 22, 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.
"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."
