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UPDATED: Suspect crashes stolen truck into school bus, steals another at gunpoint

Jan 22, 2019 | 9:13 AM

Seven children were on board when a stolen truck crashed into a school bus southwest of Red Deer Tuesday morning.

The collision happened just after 8 a.m. on Range Road 372 near Airport Drive.

Chinook’s Edge School Division Superintendent Kurt Sacher says an oncoming vehicle crossed into the eastbound path of the school bus, hitting it head on.

The bus suffered minor front end damage while the other vehicle involved fled the scene.

RCMP say two children suffered minor injuries, while five others were assessed and cleared by EMT on scene. Three of them were picked up at the scene by their parents while the remaining four were taken to school according to Sacher.

All seven students attend school in Penhold. Their ages are unknown.

Sacher says the bus driver involved was shaken up by the incident, but otherwise was unhurt.

“We’re just really glad that the kids are safe and that there was no error on the part of the bus driver,” Sacher commented, adding the bus involved was contracted through Prairie Bus Lines.

Blackfalds RCMP say that when a passerby stopped to offer assistance, a male suspect pointed a handgun and demanded her vehicle.  He fled in the victim’s 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander westbound on Township Road 372. Police are now looking for that vehicle which bears Alberta license number BNR6558. 

The truck involved in the initial collision with the bus was earlier reported stolen and involved in previous incidents.  The RCMP had been working to locate the truck – which features ‘Fountain Tire’ logos and stolen from Drumheller last week.

The male suspect is described as:

–       Caucasian

–       5’11” tall

–       Dark wavy hair

–       Black skull bandana pulled up covering the lower half of his face

–       Dark jacket with the hood covering his head

–       Dark cargo pants

If you encounter the Mitsibushi Outlander or the male driver who is considered armed and dangerous, call 911 immediately.  If the vehicle is located abandoned, please contact Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3333, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or visit www.P3Tips.com.