A pursuit of a semi-tractor-trailer unit that started in Red Deer last night (March 23) was safely ended in Airdrie and involved a great police presence throughout. 

Around 9:45 pm, Airdrie RCMP was alerted that a semi-tractor-trailer, that had been stolen from Red Deer earlier in the night then was used to smash into a number of vehicles in that city, was failing to stop for police.  Police in Red Deer tried to stop the vehicle with a spike belt but it continued to move on damaged tires.

Several RCMP detachments, including Blackfalds, Olds, Didsbury, Airdrie and the RCMP Police Dog Section were involved as the truck was pursued south from Red Deer.  The RCMP were concerned for the safety of the public as it travelled down Highway 2 from the Didsbury area.

Airdrie RCMP Constable Dan Martin picks up the details of the chase.  "The Central Alberta Traffic Unit became involved in the pursuit as basically the primary pursuer and were calling the speeds and direction of travel of the vehicle.  The semi turned off onto 2A and went into Crossfield and continued southbound into Airdrie.  At this time Airdrie RCMP members contacted Calgary Police Service to request the services of the HAWCS helicopter."

Martin says the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) TAC team were also deployed to assist.  A joint tactical intervention by the RCMP ERT and CPS TAC took place on 40th Avenue in Airdrie to stop the semi.

"No one was injured and one male occupant of the vehicle was arrested and is currently in custody pending charges," explains Martin who says to his knowledge that no vehicles in the Airdrie area were damaged during the pursuit, only the ones the truck hit in Red Deer.

Martin says the man did not resist as the ERT and TAC teams arrested him.  The incident is still under investigation. 

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