Police believe alcohol was a factor yesterday morning when an alleged car thief fled from police at high speeds and ran a red light, ramming another vehicle, police said.
Officers in an unmarked vehicle noticed an older Chrysler Dynasty weaving in and out of traffic along Memorial Drive near the zoo around 10:30 a.m., and when they ran the plate they realized it was stolen, according to police.
That’s when police put on their flashing lights and the vehicle sped off, but sticking with their no-chase policy the police turned off their lights and sirens, police spokesperson Kevin Brookwell said.
“Then police then came upon a collision (at Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive) and witnessed the suspect fleeing on foot and the officer deployed his Taser (unsuccessfully),” Brookwell said, adding the prongs couldn’t penetrate the suspect’s jacket. “The man was aggressive and combative and he very obviously did not want to be arrested.”
Traffic was snarled for over an hour while investigators and crews cleaned up the wreck.
Police on scene were seen emptying a can of beer, which was then placed into an evidence bag.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free the unconscious 39-year-old driver in the vehicle stuck by the stolen vehicle, and she was transported to hospital with serious injuries but in stable condition, according to EMS spokesperson Stuart Brideaux.
Charges are pending.
