Incident Overview

In a tragic incident early Thursday morning in Calgary’s south-east, four individuals have been hospitalized in critical condition following a multi-vehicle collision that was reportedly instigated by a robbery suspect fleeing from police. The chaotic scene unfolded around 9:30 a.m. when officers responded to a robbery at a Pharmasave located on Millrise Boulevard.

Details of the Pursuit

According to police reports, the suspect allegedly assaulted a pharmacist before making a hasty escape in a stolen vehicle. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to comply, leading officers to halt the pursuit for safety reasons. Unfortunately, the suspect continued to speed through city streets for nearly 18 minutes, ultimately running a red light at the busy intersection of McLeod Trail and Southland Drive, where the horrific crash occurred.

Witness Accounts

Witness Paul Donaldson recounted the terrifying moment: “We were sitting at a red light, ready to turn onto Southland Drive, when out of nowhere, a van came barreling through the intersection. It T-boned another vehicle, and the next thing I knew, it slammed into us. I couldn’t believe how fast he was going; I didn’t even have time to process what was happening.”

Emergency Response

Emergency services arrived shortly after 10 a.m. to find a chaotic scene. Calgary Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Cowan confirmed that paramedics treated multiple victims on-site, including a child, estimated to be around 4 years old, and transported four people to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The victims included adults and teenagers, leaving their family and friends in deep distress during this festive season.

The Severity of the Crash

"It's a severe crash with extensive damage to nearly all the vehicles involved. This level of destruction is exceptional, even for a busy intersection like this," Cowan stated, underscoring the intensity of the impact.

Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

Witnesses described the aftermath of the crash as overwhelming, filled with debris and a scene of pandemonium. Donaldson, who fortunately escaped serious injury, expressed his shock: “I stepped out of the car, and it was like everything was everywhere. I’m just in shock; I think that’s the best way to describe it.”

Arrest and Charges

Shortly after the collision, police apprehended the suspect at the scene, who remains in custody as investigations continue. The CPS has indicated that charges are pending. In a statement, they acknowledged the trauma experienced by the victims’ families, especially during a time typically reserved for joy and celebration.

Next Steps

Additionally, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been notified and will review the case to determine if further investigation is warranted.

Call for Witnesses

As this tragic story develops, authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the event or who has video footage from the area to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with high-speed chases and the unforeseen consequences that arise from such reckless behavior.