Carberry RCMP responded to a single motor vehicle collision yesterday, Wednesday, January 20, at about 7:00 a.m., two km east of Carberry on Hwy 1 in the RM of North Cypress-Langford.  Officers came on the scene to find the female driver of the vehicle in possession of a minor quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia, and proceeded to arrest her.

The vehicle was towed to the detachment and searched for further drug evidence. Finding none, it was determined there wasn't enough evidence to support a charge for drug possession.  However, police soon realized the driver wasn't in possession of a valid driver's licence, and waited for release with a traffic ticket when her ride arrived. 

Police say she was allowed to charge her cell phone in the car and call a friend from Brandon to pick her up. The driver was very cooperative with officers and an RCMP officer remained with her near the vehicle. The officer and the driver guided the friend to the detachment using her cell phone.  

Through additional checks on paperwork located in the car, RCMP discovered the driver had produced a false identity.  The driver realized this and put the vehicle in motion in an attempt to flee.  The officer was dragged by the vehicle as he tried to disengage the ignition. The female driver ran the vehicle into several snowbanks before it stopped.

A second officer assisted, and the female assaulted both police officers who eventually subdued her.  Both officers received minor injuries.  

Once returned to custody, the woman was transported to Brandon Correctional Institute. The female received minor injuries from the incident.

Caley Elizabeth Steele, 27, of Lac du Bonnet, MB is charged with:

  • Assault on PO x2
  • Assault W/Weapon on PO
  • Resist/Obstruct PO
  • Escape Custody
  • Dangerous Operation MV
  • Driving Prohibited x2
  • Fail to Comply Probation Order x3
  • Identity Fraud
  • Fail to comply recognizance

Steele appeared in Brandon court this morning (Thursday) and has been remanded to Brandon Correctional Institute pending a further court appearance.