Police say a 45-year-old Fort Saskatchewan woman is dead after a man suspected of theft fleeing the RCMP in a U-Haul truck struck her.
Police say that suspect then carjacked a vehicle with a child inside, Southeast of Edmonton near 50 Street and 22 Avenue, around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday night.
The RCMP said the woman had exited her vehicle to inspect it after driving over a spike belt that police deployed to try to deflate the tires of the suspect’s vehicle, heading Northbound along 50 Street into Edmonton. Police said the suspect fled the scene and proceeded to strike another vehicle, leaving a man with serious non-life-thretening injuries.
Police say the man then stole a 2020 Honda Civic, which contained a child, from the parking lot of a nearby convenience store. Police say the child was located safely near 66 Street and 25 Avenue minutes later and was reunited with his family.
Police had initially suspected the man of theft from businesses on 50 Street in Beaumont at around 9:00 p.m. When RCMP officers approached the moving truck to attempt an arrest, the man driving, with a woman passenger, rammed into a police vehicle, fleeing the scene.
The suspect is described as approximately 5’11” and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with white text on the front, brown shorts, and black shoes. The stolen dark grey 4-door Honda Civic has the Alberta licence plate E98-099.
“On behalf of the RCMP, I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family members of the victim,” RCMP Assistant Central Alberta District Officer Superintendent Leanne MacMillian said in a Sunday media release.
“This is a devastating incident that will leave a mark on family and friends for years to come. Please understand that you will be in our thoughts as we progress through this investigation.”
The investigation is being carried out by both the RCMP and Edmonton Police Service. An EPS helicopter was used in the initial search for the moving truck.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the tragic death of the innocent woman who was killed last night on 50 Street,” EPS Detective Nigel Phillips said in a Sunday news release.
“Our hearts are with her family and friends who will now have to carry on with this unfathomable loss.”
The RCMP says the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been notified, and they will conduct an independent investigation.
EPS published images of the suspect along with an image of the stolen car.
