SASKATOON — Saskatoon police have charged a 14-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man following a two-vehicle collision that left an 82-year-old man hospitalized in critical condition – an incident now also under investigation by Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT).
According to SIRT, the Corman Park Police Service (CPSS) first received reports around 8 a.m. on May 5 that a black Dodge Durango was being driven erratically on Highway 11 north of Saskatoon. RCMP passed the calls to CPPS, and an officer attempted to stop the SUV at the north edge of the city. Police say the vehicle fled at a high speed, driving on the shoulder and through heavy traffic as it entered Saskatoon on Idylwyld Drive.
Near 60th Avenue, the Durango went through a ditch and into the northbound lanes, colliding with a Ford transit van. The van caught fire, and CPPS and RCMP officers pulled the 82-year-old driver from the vehicle before he was taken to hospital in critical condition He remains in hospital.
Saskatoon police later confirmed the Durango had been reported stolen out of Prince Albert.
A 14-year-old and a 24-year-old were arrested at the scene. Both were charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000. The 14-year-old was additionally charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to stop after an accident, and evading police. The 24-year-old was additionally charged with breaching court-imposed conditions. A third person was arrested but not charged.
SIRT has launched an independent investigation into the actions of police during the incident and has deployed a team of investigators. Because the collision occurred within Saskatoon city limits, the Saskatoon Police Service is handling the investigation into the actions of the vehicle’s occupants.
SIRT is asking anyone who directly witnessed or may have video of the incident to contact SIRT at sirt@gov.sk.ca.
No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.
