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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.