Fatal collision near Strathmore

By RCMP Briefs

On Jan. 8, 2018 at approximately 6:19 p.m. Bassano RCMP, Emergency Medical Services and the Hussar and Standard Fire Departments responded to a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 561, approximately three kilometres west of Hussar, Alta.
A westbound car collided head-on with an eastbound SUV. The driver and lone occupant of the westbound car, a 16-year-old female, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and lone occupant of the SUV, a 50-year-old female, was flown to the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary by STARS Air Ambulance in critical condition.
Bassano RCMP along with an RCMP Collision Analyst continue to investigate. All possible contributing factors related to this collision are being considered.
The identification of the deceased is not being released at this time.

Collision on Range Road 233 results in loss of life
On Jan. 8 at 12:55 p.m., Strathmore RCMP responded to a collision on Range Road 233 at the intersection of Highway 564. A backhoe travelling northbound on Range Road 233 was struck by a GMC Envoy that was also travelling northbound.
The driver of the Envoy, a 73-year-old man, was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the backhoe did not sustain any serious injuries.
Emergency crews worked to extract the 72-year-old female passenger of the Envoy and STARS attended but, tragically, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
An RCMP collision analyst attended the scene and the cause of the accident remains under investigation. Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor, and all flashing lights and appropriate signage were in operation on the backhoe at the time.

Fatal collision near Strathmore
On Monday, Dec. 4 at approximately 12:15 p.m., Strathmore RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 564.
An SUV had been travelling westbound on Highway 564, approaching the intersection with Highway 21. When the SUV entered the intersection, it collided with a pick-up truck that was southbound on Highway 21.
When emergency crews arrived the lone occupant of the SUV, a 59-year-old woman from Calgary, had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two occupants of the truck were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Calgary with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation continues, but no charges are anticipated. The name of the deceased woman will not be released.

Search warrant on suspected
“chop shop” location
Strathmore RCMP have conducted a search of a rural property resulting in the seizure of 15 vehicles from a suspected chop shop.
On Jan. 8, acting on information received from the public, the Strathmore RCMP served a search warrant at a property on Range Road 265, west of Strathmore. Together with the RCMP Auto Theft Unit, investigators examined numerous vehicles found on the property and identified over a dozen which were stolen or had the vehicle identification number (VIN) altered.
A male from Calgary was arrested for possession of stolen property at the scene and has been released from custody on a promise to appear. The name of the man cannot be released as charges have yet to be sworn. Investigators are continuing to examine the seized evidence and further charges are expected.
“This investigation is another example of public and police working together to reduce crime in our communities,” says Staff Sgt. Kevin O’Dwyer, Strathmore RCMP detachment. “Property crime, including stolen vehicles, continues to be a priority for us. By targeting individuals and groups responsible for these trends, we can reduce their impact on rural Albertans.”

Convenience store break and enter and theft of ATM
Strathmore RCMP are asking the public for assistance with any information they may have about a break and enter at the Hi-Ho Gas Station and Convenience Store in Strathmore.
On Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 at approximately 4:30 a.m., the suspects arrived in a pickup truck and backed the truck up to the entrance doors. After parking the truck, two suspects broke through the doors to gain entry, then attached a tow strap to the ATM. They then drove the truck away, pulling the ATM out through the store entrance.
Both suspects were wearing hoodies, reflective vests and ball caps, and had their faces covered. One of the two was wearing camouflage pants.

Anyone with information on this or other crimes is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers, crimestoppers.ab.ca, for instructions). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.