RED DEER COUNTY – RCMP are seeking the public’s help to find the culprits responsible for a rural hit and run of an elderly man who moments earlier had his own vehicle stolen.
At about 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 18 Innisfail RCMP were dispatched to check out a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on Twp. Rd. 364, near Rge. Rd. 44 in Red Deer County, said RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters.
After arriving at the scene, Mounties learned that the 77-year-old victim had parked his truck on the shoulder of Twp. Rd. 364 while he had been working in a field adjacent to the road, said Peters.
He said the victim saw his vehicle driving away and realized it had been stolen. Peters said the elderly man then went back to the road.
Moments later he was struck by a white, newer model pickup truck believed to be connected to the theft of his vehicle, said Peters. He said the victim and a witness described a second vehicle - a blue car with a female driver - that was also allegedly involved in the incident.
Peters said STARS air ambulance transported the victim to a hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition. He said the victim’s stolen truck, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, was recovered a short distance from where it was stolen; at the corner of Rge. Rd. 45 and Twp. Rd. 360.
“We believe that there were several people involved in this incident and are hopeful that someone will come forward with information,” Innisfail RCMP Const. Sara Devine. “The white truck that hit the victim may have some damage to the front end, and we would very much like to speak to anyone that has information on this incident.”
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403-227-3342. If citizens wish to remain anonymous, they can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or go online at www.P3Tips.com or use the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
