On May 1, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. Deloraine and Killarney RCMP were dispatched to a vehicle that had run the border at the Goodlands port of entry.
The vehicle was described as a white Dodge van with Wisconsin license plates. The vehicle was northbound on Highway 21 and refused to stop for police. Souris, Virden, Reston and Melita RCMP were then dispatched to intercept the vehicle still heading north. The vehicle maintained highway speed and no erratic driving was noted throughout the pursuit. A spike belt was deployed just south of highway 21 and 2, where the vehicle was stopped.
RCMP members detected an odor of gas and became concerned of the content in the vehicle as being explosive in nature. The area was secured and the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit has been dispatched to the location in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
The search of the vehicle was conducted with the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit. A total of 6 firearms, over 1000 rounds of ammunition and several containers of fuel located in the cargo area of the van was seized.
An adult American male subject was taken into custody. Identification of the subject along with the reasons for his behavior are still under investigation.
At present the American citizen will remain in custody and face numerous charges under the criminal code, immigration refugee protection act and customs act.
The investigation continues.
Update 05/04/09 9:35am
RCMP Deloraine Detachment have charged United States Citizen 49-year-old Michael Calteaux of no fixed address with 5 charges under the Canada Customs Act, 1 charge under the Immigration Refugee Protection Act, 6 firearms related charges, 1 charge relating to a prohibited weapon (Pepper Spray), 1 count of Possess Stolen Property and 1 count of Flight from Police.
Michael Calteaux is currently in custody at the Brandon Correctional Institute and is scheduled to appear in Brandon Court this morning.
Calteaux refused to discuss the incident of May 1, 2009. As such, the motive for his actions remains unknown. Calteaux was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but claims he last resided in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The investigation continues.
Sgt Line Karpish
RCMP Media Relations
(204)983-8497
