BANFF – RCMP are looking for two men who drove into Banff Central Park after failing to stop for police last weekend.
Banff RCMP witnessed a white Dodge Ram pickup truck run a stop sign leaving the Bear Street parkade at about 7 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18). When the truck stopped at the next stop sign, it quickly drove off nearly hitting parked vehicles on Bear and Lynx streets leading police to attempt to pull it over.
“It was witnessed leaving the Bear Street parkade and failed to stop at that stop sign, but they then proceeded to stop at the following stop sign and then it did take off aggressively, accelerating, squealing its tires and almost hitting parked vehicles,” said Sgt. Natalie Rice.
After the truck came to a stop near the Buffalo Street parking lot, it hit a traffic bollard before coming to a stop in the park, Rice said.
“There was a pillar that was damaged in the park area. The Town of Banff have been notified and I believe they replaced it already,” she said, adding no damage was done to any parked vehicles.
Rice said the driver took off on foot to the east toward the Bow River, while the passenger fled to the west and crossed the Nancy Pauw pedestrian bridge.
“The officer that was behind the vehicle didn’t actually get to look at the occupants that exited,” said Rice.
She said the truck belongs to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, but if they can’t prove who the driver is, Enterprise can be held accountable under the Traffic Safety Act.
“If we’re unable to prove the driver or the persons responsible, then ultimately Enterprise (Rent-A-Car) as the registered owner of that vehicle can be held accountable,” said Sgt. Rice.
The incident is under investigation and Rice said anyone with information should contact the police.
“Any time there’s a witness or available evidence i.e., dashcam, that obviously is something that we would welcome to come forward and provide to us,” said Sgt. Rice.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact the Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
