An adult male and female face a lengthy list of charges after being stopped by police near Steinbach early Sunday morning.

At approximately 12:30 am, RCMP Traffic Services attempted to stop an SUV being driven dangerously and erratically on Highway 12 near Loewen Boulevard. The driver of the SUV spotted police and then changed direction and drove into the wrong lane of traffic, forcing vehicles off the road.

The officer confirmed the vehicle was stolen and was possibly being driven by an armed and violent suspect wanted on several warrants. The suspect continued to drive in a very dangerous manner.

Knife seized from suspect vehicle (Photo credit: RCMP)Several additional police vehicles from Steinbach and St. Pierre detachments then responded. As the SUV was travelling west along Highway 52 near Industrial Road, a spike belt was successfully deployed. The suspect continued to travel on flat tires for two kilometres before turning into a field. It was at this time that the SUV was stopped by police.

The suspect, who was armed with a machete as well as a female passenger refused to listen to police commands and had to be removed by officers. A curved knife and methamphetamine were located within the vehicle.

Three officers and the suspect sustained minor injuries during the incident. Two police vehicles were also damaged.

"This was a high-risk arrest with an armed and combative suspect who refused to comply with police", says Superintendent Joanne Keeping, East District Commander for Manitoba RCMP. "Our officers quickly recognized the danger and acted immediately to take him into custody to protect public safety."

Drugs seized from suspect vehicle (Photo credit: RCMP)A 38-year-old male, Ashley Sandison from the RM of Reynolds, who was driving the SUV, has been charged with 14 offences related to this incident, including two counts of Assault on police officer with weapon causing bodily harm, Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Driving while disqualified, Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, two counts of Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Possession of a prohibited weapon, Possession of break-in instruments and Possession of methamphetamine. Sandison is also facing 14 charges from previous incidents. He has been remanded into custody and had his first court appearance in Winnipeg July 17.

His passenger, 20-year-old Amber Mann from Beausejour has been charged with Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, Possession of methamphetamine and Failing to comply with recognizance. Mann also has four pending charges from previous incidents. Mann has been remanded into custody and had her first court appearance in Winnipeg July 16.