Man arrested following crash that closed part of Anthony Henday Drive

Charges are pending after a stolen car crashed near Anthony Henday Drive and Whitemud Drive on Thursday morning.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) says a 22-year-old man has been taken into custody after crashing a stolen vehicle that closed part of Anthony Henday Drive early Thursday morning.

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Officers were patrolling in the area of 34 Avenue and 34 Street just after 3 a.m. when they noticed a vehicle in front of them take a sudden hard turn and accelerate away at a high speed. They briefly followed the vehicle but did not pursue.

EPS Air1 followed the vehicle as it travelled at speeds reaching 250 kilometres an hour, running red lights and driving erratically in southeast Edmonton.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle near the Henday and Whitemud Trail. The driver continued at high speeds despite the vehicle’s tires being disabled.

The driver then struck a guardrail on the Henday, caught fire and came to a stop, said police.

Northbound on the Henday at the Sherwood Park Freeway was closed at 4:20 a.m. Commuters were asked to avoid the area until the ring road was partially re-opened at 7 a.m.

Officers took the 22-year-old man into custody. He was assessed by EMS but no injuries were reported. It was later discovered that the vehicle was stolen. Charges are pending.