Calgary

Man charged in hit-and-run that killed 71-year-old pedestrian, injured another

A man from Drayton Valley has been charged after a thief stole a car, injured its owner and killed a 71-year-old pedestrian in the northeast Calgary neighbourhood of Falconridge last September.

Dakota Ouellette, 25, charged in September incident in Calgary's Falconridge neighbourhood

The Honda Civic was stolen in the McKnight Village shopping centre on Falconridge Drive N.E. at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2020. The owner tried to stop the thief by climbing onto the car but fell off and was injured before the thief fatally injured a pedestrian as he fled the scene. (Google Maps)

A man from Drayton Valley has been charged after a thief stole a car, injured its owner and killed a 71-year-old pedestrian in the northeast Calgary neighbourhood of Falconridge last September.

Dakota Frederick Ouellette, 25, was charged on Tuesday with:

  • Dangerous operation causing death.
  • Accident resulting in death.
  • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
  • Accident involving bodily harm.
  • Fail to stop after an accident.
  • Dangerous operation of a conveyance.
  • Operation while prohibited.
  • Theft of motor vehicle.
  • No insurance.

He will stay in custody and appear in court next Tuesday, Calgary Police Service said in a release on Thursday.

The arrest was made after a long investigation by the police traffic section. Police said information from the public had been "crucial" in helping them locate Ouellette.

The incident took place on Falconridge Drive N.E. on Sept. 24, 2020, at around 1:30 p.m.

The culprit stole a white, 2010 Honda Civic from a fast-food restaurant parking lot near the intersection of Falconridge Drive and Falsbridge Drive N.E. 

As the suspect drove away, the Honda's owner — a 30-year-old man — tried to climb onto the car to stop him.

The thief turned east onto Falconridge Drive, and the owner fell from the car.

The thief then struck the 71-year-old, who was crossing the street.  

The driver did not stop.

The 71-year-old died in hospital 12 days later.

The Honda Civic was found abandoned shortly after the incident.

The owner of the car was treated in hospital for minor injuries.