‘Inherently dangerous’: Driver charged in lengthy southern Alberta police pursuit

An RCMP cruiser. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)

An Edmonton woman is facing charges after allegedly leading police officers from Calgary and the surrounding area on a lengthy pursuit.

Okotoks RCMP say the Calgary Police Service (CPS) alerted them to a dangerous driver on Oct. 15, alleging the driver had fled from officers in a black and white pickup truck towing a beige travel trailer, both of which were believed to be stolen.

Okotoks RCMP patrolled the area where the suspect had last been seen – in rural Okotoks near 388 Avenue – and eventually spotted the vehicle heading east on Dunbow Road.

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RCMP allege the truck was travelling at high speeds and unsafely passing other traffic.

“Officers followed it covertly, and were joined by CPS surveillance, K9 and HAWCS,” said a Thursday news release.

RCMP officers from Okotoks, Strathmore, Gleichen and Airdrie were called in to help due to the suspect’s “high-speed, erratic driving” and the size of the vehicle.

“After multiple attempts by the suspect to abandon the vehicle and steal others, RCMP safely disabled the suspect vehicle within Airdrie’s jurisdiction on Highway 72, east of Highway 2,” RCMP said.

The driver, a 33-year-old, is charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

“These types of calls are inherently dangerous,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Zinck. “The suspect’s driving behavior raised serious concerns for both public and officer safety.”

“I had no doubt that immediate apprehension was necessary to prevent a potentially tragic outcome.”