(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Suspect hijacks police vehicle

Alberta RCMP officer involved in shooting and car chase near Red Deer

Jul 6, 2023 | 11:08 AM

An Alberta RCMP officer has been involved in a shooting near Red Deer.

On July 4, 2023, at approximately 11:15 p.m., officials say the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) were conducting an investigation into a stolen pick-up truck.

The CRT say they were able to stop the vehicle utilizing a Tire Deflation Device, in the driveway of a rural residence on C and E Trail, where the suspect exited the vehicle and an altercation ensued.

The suspect then allegedly jumped into a police car and in an attempt to stop the suspect, an officer deployed a Conductive Energy Weapon (CEW), also known as a taser. However, officials say the CEW was not effective.

The suspect then allegedly put the vehicle into reverse, almost hitting officers.

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RCMP state an officer discharged their service pistol but did not hit the suspect.

The suspect then allegedly fled the scene in the police vehicle. Officers say they pursued the suspect into Innisfail and then onto Highway 2 northbound, where another Tire Deflation Device was used, resulting in the suspect crashing the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody.

No officers were injured during the incident. The suspect was taken to a local hospital for assessment and has since been released. RCMP confirm he remains in police custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing on pending charges.

“The Alberta RCMP believes in processes that seek the facts and it’s important that processes taken to assess the actions of all those involved, including the police, are fair, transparent, and defendable. This is why, as soon as we became aware of this incident involving potential lethal force, we immediately initiated our internal review process and notified the Director of Law Enforcement. The Director of Law Enforcement assigned the investigation to the RCMP,” said RCMP in a release.

RCMP state an update will be provided when available.