Alberta RCMP have made an arrest in the fatal hit and run that claimed the life of 45-year-old Kassandra Gartner, a community leader, heading up the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank.
Police say the arrest was made in Wainwright, Alta. and that the Mounties will release more information when it is available.
“As this investigation develops and/or charges are laid further updates will be provided,” RCMP spokesperson Troy Savinkoff said in an email sent to media representatives. “Additional details are not available on this quickly developing investigation at this time.”
Gartner was killed when she was struck by a man accused of fleeing police in a U-Haul truck at a high rate of speed along Highway 814 and 50 Street between Beaumont and Edmonton. Police had set up a spike belt, a device used to deflate tires. Gartner, and two other motorists, drove over this trap minutes before the suspect arrived. Police say the man proceeded through the site, striking Gartner who had exited her vehicle to examine the damage the trap caused her vehicle.
Police say the suspect then fled to a nearby parking lot, whereupon he collided with another vehicle and seriously injuring a man. He is accused of then stealing a Honda Civic, which police later discovered abandoned a few kilometres outside of Wainwright.
On Tuesday afternoon, Beaumont RCMP released two new, higher resolution, photographs of the suspect and asked that people refrain from approaching him, instead opting to contact 911 or a local police detachment.
Heartland News is working to independently verify the arrest of the suspect.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Fort Saskatchewan City Hall. Gartner’s family asks that people make donations in Gartner’s name to the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank’s building fund.
