Edmonton police said Wednesday that three suspects were facing charges in connection to a criminal flight from officers, that led to a fatal collision on the Whitemud Drive off-ramp in the city’s west end Monday night.. Police are also looking for a fourth suspect.
Back on Monday, July 3, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) said Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers came across a truck that was believed to be stolen at about 8 p.m., and they started following the vehicle.
It’s believed at some point, the driver found out police were watching them, and tried to get away.
ASIRT said EPS initiated a pursuit, but a supervisor ordered officers to stop.
The vehicle headed eastbound on Whitemud Drive from 215 Street, and when it reached the intersection of Whitemud Drive and Lewis Estates Boulevard, the vehicle crossed over into the westbound lanes and continued travelling east against traffic.
ASIRT said meanwhile, another vehicle was headed southbound on Anthony Henday Drive, and the driver took the off-ramp to continue on Whitemud Drive westbound.
The stolen vehicle collided head-on with the car on the off-ramp.
The people inside the vehicle fled the scene of the collision on foot, and were arrested, according to ASIRT. None of the individuals inside the stolen truck were injured.
As for the other vehicle, the male driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female passenger was taken to hospital. She succumbed to her injuries Tuesday night.
ASIRT identified the driver as a 64-year-old male, and his passenger as a 62-year-old female.
Police said Wednesday that three people: Zachary James Grogan, 32, Alisha Grace Roode, 27, and Trent James Ferris, 29, had been charged.
Grogan is facing two counts each of failing to stop at the scene of an accident involving death, flight from a peace officer causing death, and dangerous driving causing death, he has also been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Roode has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, and possession of a controlled substance, in addition to two counts each of possession of identity documents and possession of identity information.
Ferris has been charged with assaulting a peace officer and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Police said detectives are trying to identify a fourth male suspect, who fled from the stolen truck after the crash.
ASIRT is investigating the circumstances surrounding how police conducted themselves during the pursuit.
