ASIRT says police didn't chase suspect vehicle as it sped away from traffic stop, killing 2 pedestrians
Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says probe of officers' role ongoing
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) says police didn't chase an erratic driver they had pulled over when the vehicle sped away and later struck two pedestrians, killing them Saturday evening in southwest Calgary.
ASIRT released more details Monday about the crash.
Police were alerted that a driver, who ASIRT now knows was in a silver Acura, was travelling at a high rate in southwest Calgary shortly before 7 p.m.
Officers spotted the vehicle go through the intersection of 17th Avenue and 37th Street but did not make contact until they stopped the vehicle at 17th Avenue and 69th Street — approximately 3.4 kilometres west.
Police initiated a traffic stop, but as they approached the vehicle, it took off again.
On Monday, ASIRT clarified police did not follow the vehicle and remained at the stop for two minutes before continuing westbound.
Police say they believe that during that time, the vehicle struck two pedestrians, both of whom died at the scene, at the intersection of 17th Avenue S.W. and 85th Street.
The victims were a 40-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman.
The driver, who is 52, had to be extricated from the vehicle by firefighters and was taken to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
ASIRT says those who witnessed these events or have video should contact investigators at 403-592-4306.
The crash happened just hours before two other pedestrians were badly injured in a hit and run near Westbrook Mall.
A couple were walking at the intersection of 13th Avenue and 37th Street S.W., near Westbrook Mall, at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday when they were hit by a sedan, police said.
The driver failed to remain at the scene and fled northbound on 37th Street S.W.
Family members of the couple said Sunday the man's parents witnessed the accident.
"Both victims are in a bad way and the hospital will not allow [their] parents to be with them. It is pure hell and torment for us all," a family member said in a statement sent via Facebook.
With files from The Canadian Press.