On January 15, 2022, at approximately 6:45 p.m., a Central District Community Support observed a stolen van travelling in the area of Ellice Avenue and Ingersoll Street. Officers attempted to follow the vehicle, but it fled at a high rate of speed.
The van drove dangerously through the St. Matthews neighbourhood—running a red light at St. Matthews Avenue and Arlington Street and failing to stop at a stop sign at St. Matthews Avenue and Maryland Street, where it struck another vehicle.
The driver of the stolen van immediately attempted to flee on foot, but she was quickly taken into custody. The other driver (of the vehicle that had been struck) suffered minor injuries and was tended to by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. He did not require transport to a hospital.
A search of the stolen van resulted in the seizure of a knife and a small amount of a substance believed to be methamphetamine. The vehicle had been taken from the Minto neighbourhood overnight between January 12-13, 2022.
Courtney Marie Friesen, a 31-year-old female of Winnipeg, has been charged with:
- Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer
- Possession of a Weapon
- Possession of Scheduled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
She was detained in custody.