On Friday, Nov. 29 at about 9 p.m., members of the local RCMP detachment responded to a crash that occurred right in front of Bargain Browzer during Sundre Snow Fest.
Police report that the motorist had been seen driving his pickup truck northbound on Centre Street at excessive speeds when he lost control and crashed into the concrete flowerbed in front of the store.
Promptly fleeing the scene in the damaged vehicle headed north on Centre Street, the suspect was pursued by a witness, who followed the male to a property just north of the scene of the crash and observed him enter the residence.
“This key information was passed onto police,” reads a press statement issued by Cpl. Joe Mandel on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Police said they attended the residence, where the suspect attempted to hide inside and refused to open the door. A warrant was subsequently obtained to enter the home, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident, said Mandel.
“This incident could have been horrible. People were out and taking advantage of local shopping for the Sundre Snow Fest. The truck nearly struck two pedestrians prior to crashing into the flowerbed and obliterating the Bargain Browzer’s metal horse sculpture,” the corporal wrote.
“I firmly believe had it not been for those obstacles, the truck would have smashed into the building. My apologies to those that had to experience such stupidity, but I thank you for providing the Sundre detachment members the information needed to hold this man accountable for his senseless decisions.”
Colton William Gateman, 27, had been charged with the following criminal code and traffic safety act offences: obstruction; dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; refusal to provide a breath sample; unauthorized possession of a firearm; and failure to remain at the scene of a collision. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in Didsbury provincial court on Jan. 6.
