Days after a man was killed after trying to stop the theft of his truck, police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man believed to have stolen the vehicle.

On Friday, at about 8 a.m. police said the incident started when officers tried to stop a stolen truck in the area of 82 Street and 120 Avenue, the truck sped off, but was found later in a parking lot in the area of 32 Street and 113 Avenue at about 9 a.m.

Officers said a man and a woman were seen fleeing on foot from the area, during the foot chase the male suspect jumped into a running 2006 Dodge Ram in an effort to escape.

Meanwhile, the owner of the truck – identified later as Adam Groves, 33 – tried to stop the suspect, but he was hit by the truck as it sped off, and died on the scene.

The stolen truck was found at about 6:30 p.m. that day near 112 Avenue and 94 Street, thanks to a tip from the public.

However, the suspect has not been identified or found. The other individual involved in the incident was taken into custody at the time.

On Monday, police released surveillance footage, and dashboard camera footage showing the suspect.

In one piece of video, the suspect is seen at a liquor store in the area of 45 Street and 118 Avenue at about 1:40 a.m. Friday, June 13 – hours before the fatal encounter.

In another piece of video, police said the suspect was seen driving the pickup truck southbound on 29 Street, away from 116 A Avenue, moments after the vehicle was stolen.

The suspect is described as:

  • Aboriginal male, believed to be in his 30s
  • Between 183 cm (6’) and 188 cm (6’2”) tall
  • Medium build
  • Medium length brown/black hair

At the time of the incident, he was wearing jeans, and a red and white horizontal striped shirt.

On Friday, EPS said the Homicide Unit was investigating the incident, while the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team was investigating the police pursuit.

Anyone with information that could help police identify the suspect is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile phone.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Also on Monday, the family of the victim released a statement:

"Although we see Adam’s death as a tragedy . . . he died a hero.

He did what he thought was right . . . his livelihood was a big part of providing for his family.

Nothing comes easily in life . . . Adam worked hard for everything he had.

He was someone you could go to with questions or problems . . . he’d always have an insightful answer for you.

He was a great father . . . one who always made sure his family was provided for.

Adam’s kids always came first.

Selfless . . . and caring . . . patient . . . and loving . . . always respectful . . . he died a proud man.

He is loved . . . and always will be . . . by everyone who was a part of his life.

We love him . . . and miss him and will never forget him.

Adam has left behind a wife . . . a seven-year-old boy . . . a four-year-old girl . . . a loving extended family . . . and a wide circle of friends.

If there’s anyone out there who knows anything about the incident. . . or about the suspect . . . please contact police immediately.

If the suspect is watching this . . . please do the right thing and turn yourself in to police custody.

We’re hurting . . . we need justice for Adam."