Crash scene in downtown Red Deer on Feb. 14, 2026. (Image Credit: Red Deer RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Valentine's Day Incident

Red Deer RCMP charge “repeat offender” in serious downtown crash

Feb 24, 2026 | 3:22 PM

A man police describe as a repeat offender has been charged in a serious crash in downtown Red Deer this month.

On Feb. 14, 2026, at 6:13 a.m., Red Deer RCMP received a call of a glass break alarm at a downtown business in Red Deer, on Gaetz Avenue. 

Police responded immediately and discovered the glass break alarm was the result of flying debris from a two-vehicle collision. Mounties say a black truck had collided with a white SUV at the intersection of 50 Street and Gaetz Avenue. 

RCMP say the driver of the white SUV was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver of the truck fled from the scene on foot. Mounties say the truck drove onto the sidewalk, causing damage to a downtown building, and City of Red Deer property. Several lamp posts, garbage cans, and a fire hydrant were damaged. 

Crash scene in downtown Red Deer on Feb. 14, 2026. (Image Credit: Red Deer RCMP)

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Fortunately, police say no other people were injured because of the collision. 

RCMP’s investigation determined the truck was previously stolen out of Red Deer, Alta., and had fled from Blackfalds RCMP earlier that day. Officers were able to identify the driver of the truck, who is well known to police. 

On Feb. 22, 2026, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) located the male suspect, and he was arrested without incident. 

Nathaniel Tardif, 27, of Red Deer, has been charged with: 

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
• Fail to stop after accident
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
• Flight from Peace Officer
• Operate motor vehicle while prohibited

Mounties say Tardif was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, where he was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Feb. 24, 2026, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer. 

If you have any information regarding criminal activity within Red Deer, please contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.