By Sheldon Spackman

UPDATE: Charges laid in stolen semi pursuit from Red Deer to Airdrie

Mar 24, 2018 | 12:52 PM

Charges have now been laid in a dangerous semi-tractor trailer pursuit that ended in Airdrie Friday night.

Brandon Robert Moench, 35, of no fixed address has been charged with two counts of failing to remain at the scene of an accident, operation of a motor vehicle while being pursued by police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assault of a peace officer, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of failing to comply with a recognizance, failing to comply with a demand by a peace officer and uttering threats to cause bodily harm.

RCMP say one provincial charge of driving while unauthorized was also laid against Moench who was remanded into custody for a court appearance in Airdrie on March 29.

The incident began March 23 around 9:45 p.m. when Airdrie RCMP were alerted to a semi that was failing to stop for police. Mounties say it was travelling southbound on the QEII from the Didsbury area and there was a concern for public safety due to the manner in which it was being driven.

According to an RCMP spokesperson, Mounties learned the semi had been stolen from the Domino’s Pizza parking lot in downtown Red Deer earlier in the evening and was used to smash into parked vehicles and the outdoor patio of the Indian Kitchen Bar and Grill. RCMP say the semi continued to be driven dangerously with police trying to stop it by using a spike belt, but despite its damaged front tires, the semi was able to continue moving.

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Several RCMP detachments then became involved, including Blackfalds, Olds, Didsbury, Airdrie and the Police Dog unit.

While travelling south from Red Deer on the QEII, Mounties say the semi eventually turned onto Highway 2A and went through Crossfield before arriving in Airdrie.

The RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Calgary Police Service HAWCS helicopter and CPS TAC were also deployed to assist. The joint tactical intervention was used to finally stop the semi on 40 Avenue in Airdrie and luckily no one was hurt.