Subscribe to the 100% free rdnewsNOW daily newsletter!
UPDATE

More charges laid following pedestrian collision in Meridian Beach

Jun 29, 2020 | 12:09 PM

Further investigation by RCMP into a collision involving a pedestrian earlier this month near Gull Lake has led to more charges being laid.

The initial investigation led to an 18-year-old male being charged for failing to remain at the scene of a collision causing bodily harm and driving without a license following the incident June 18 in in the community of Meridian Beach.

At the time, RCMP said the 18-year-old had been driving in a “careless manner” and that a pedestrian tried to stop the vehicle by reaching in through the passenger side window.

The pedestrian, a 54-year-old Calgary man, held on as the vehicle dragged him along before he fell and rolled on the road. He was flown to hospital in Calgary with serious, non-life threatening injuries.

On Monday, RCMP said they have since determined through witness evidence that the 16-year-old driver and 18-year-old passenger of the vehicle involved switched places and are both facing charges of public mischief. RCMP say a collision reconstructionist has been called in and that additional driving infraction charges are possible.

As well, the male pedestrian has now been charged with one count of assault and has a pending court date scheduled for September 2 in Rimbey. The man’s name has not been released as charges have yet to be sworn in court.

“This situation was escalated from the outset and as a result people were unnecessarily injured and scared” says Sgt. Pierre St-Cyr, Rimbey RCMP Detachment Commander. “When the public has safety concerns, call 911 and let the RCMP manage the situation.”

Meridian Beach is located along the northeast shores of Gull Lake in Ponoka County.