Driver of stolen SUV dies after hitting tree: Edmonton police
The 27-year-old man who died in a crash in north-central Edmonton early Thursday morning was driving a stolen vehicle and fleeing from its owner, police say.
Emergency responders were loading an SUV passenger onto a stretcher and attempting to cut out the driver when CTV News Edmonton arrived at the scene at 120 Avenue and 89 Street around 6 a.m.
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 was mangled and a nearby tree was damaged.
Delton neighbourhood residents told CTV News Edmonton they heard the vehicle speeding down their street right before the crash.
"I had my windows open," Vern Smart said. "The speed of the car – you could hear it… And then the squeal. And then the smash of the car. And then I come out and all I seen [sic] was that car smoking."
The RAV4 was stolen by two people from a home garage a few blocks away at 125 Avenue and 81 Street, investigators were told.
"The male owner of the RAV4, who happened to be at a nearby convenience store at the time of the theft, spotted his RAV4 drive by, and subsequently pursued the two suspects from a distance in a secondary vehicle, while speaking with 911 emergency operators," Edmonton Police Service said.
"Shortly thereafter, the stolen vehicle lost control and struck a tree on 120 Avenue."
"I heard the brakes squeal and then I heard a big, big bang, basically. I came outside and seen [sic] all this commotion going on," Coby Steinhauer, who was getting ready to leave for work, recalled.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
His 34-year-old passenger was expected to survive his injuries.
Speed is considered a "major" factor.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Klippenstein
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.