The wife of an Edmonton man who was killed in a hit and run outside of his house Friday has found returning home too difficult.

Neighbours and friends described 33-year-old Adam Groves as a self-employed family man.

“He just raised his kids and worked long hours to feed his family,” Jeff Jackson told CTV News.

Jackson also confirmed that Groves’ wife, Jolene, saw the incident and has removed herself and the couple’s two young children from the home.

“It is too hard for her to stay at the house knowing that he died right in front of it.”

Homicide detectives continue to search for a suspect in Groves’ death.

Police said the incident started around 8 a.m. Friday morning after officers attempted to stop a stolen F-150 around 82 Street and 120 Avenue. The truck speed away but was located in a parking lot on 32 Street and 113 Avenue around 9 a.m.

A man and a woman were seen running from the area. During the foot chase the man jumped into a running 2006 Dodge Ram in an effort to escape.

However Groves, who owned the truck, tried to stop the suspect. He was struck by the vehicle, and died on scene.

“His truck was his office so that is why he was so concerned about losing it. That is why he fought to keep it,” Jackson explained.

The male suspect managed to get away in the stolen Dodge, which was located around 6:30 p.m. that day near 112 Avenue and 94 Street thanks to a caller’s tip, but the suspect has not been found.

Sgt. Regan James confirmed that the female suspect had been arrested.

“We do have one person of interest in custody hopefully that will lead to the other person as well.”

The suspect has been described as:

  • Aboriginal man
  • Believed to be in his 30s
  • Between 183 cm (6’) and 188 cm (6’2”) tall
  • Medium build
  • Medium length brown/black hair
  • Was reported to be wearing a red shirt with white horizontal stripes and jeans.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team will be investigating the police pursuit.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police, 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.

With files from Sarah Richter