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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Beaumont RCMP have unveiled higher quality images of the suspect involved in a tragic hit-and-run collision that occurred while fleeing police on Saturday, resulting in the death of a woman and serious injury to a man.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded when RCMP officers attempted to stop a U-Haul cube truck in Beaumont around 9 p.m. on Feb. 24. The vehicle had been flagged as suspicious, with initial reports suggesting the suspect was involved in stealing packages from porches.
However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the U-Haul, driven by a male with a female passenger, rammed into the RCMP vehicle and fled the scene. As the U-Haul headed north towards Edmonton, RCMP deployed a tire deflation device (spike belt), which also impacted three civilian vehicles.
Tragically, a 45-year-old woman, identified as mother of three Kassandra Gartner, was fatally struck by the U-Haul as she exited her vehicle. The suspect vehicle then collided with another civilian vehicle, leaving the male occupant in a non-life-threatening condition.
Search for the Suspect
According to Edmonton police, the suspect vehicle eventually stopped in front of a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station at 22nd Avenue and 50th Street Southwest. At this point, someone from the U-Haul stole a Honda Civic parked in front of the gas station, with a child inside the vehicle.
Fortunately, the child was found unharmed shortly after at 66th Street and 25th Avenue. The suspect then fled the scene in the stolen Honda Civic, which was later recovered by police near Wainwright, Alta., on Monday morning.
Continued Investigation
As the search for the suspect intensifies, RCMP are urging anyone who recognizes the individual in the released photos to contact authorities immediately. The suspect is described as having a thin build and being approximately 1.70 meters tall, last seen wearing a black hoodie with white text, brown shorts, and black shoes.
While the investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, RCMP have emphasized the importance of spike belt deployments in such situations. Between July and December 2023, spike belts were used on 205 occasions in Alberta, with over 100 successful deployments during that period.
Police Protocols
RCMP Public Information Officer Troy Savinkoff highlighted the rigorous protocols in place for the use of spike belts, emphasizing the training required for officers and the supervision provided by the Real-Time Operations Center. The incident is currently under investigation by ASIRT and internally by the RCMP to ensure accountability and transparency.
Despite the unpredictable nature of police work, Savinkoff reaffirmed the commitment to preventing tragedies and the willingness to adapt protocols if necessary. The safety and well-being of the community remain paramount in all law enforcement operations.
Eye Witness Account
Jonah Brown, a passenger in an Uber at the time of the incident, shared his harrowing experience of witnessing the chaotic events unfold. From hearing screeching tires to the deployment of a spike belt and the subsequent apprehension of the suspect, Brown described the scene as intense and surreal.
Reflecting on the incident, Brown expressed gratitude for escaping unscathed and highlighted the swift response of law enforcement in bringing the situation under control.
As the investigation continues and the search for the suspect persists, the community remains on high alert, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing the individual to justice.
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