Calgary Police take young driver in to custody after dangerous joyride

CALGARY – Police have taken a youth into custody after he allegedly took a stolen truck on a high-speed joyride that zigzagged throughout the city.

Authorities were first alerted to the incident by callers who reported a large truck being driven recklessly at Deerfoot Trail and Glenmore Trail, around 8:30 a.m.

Officers were able to determine the truck was stolen by searching the license plate number.

Police used the HAWC helicopter to track the suspect along major routes, and then through residential areas.

Police say the truck was out of control and caused between six to 12 collisions involving other vehicles, as well as a lot of property damage. They say the driver was incredibly reckless, driving up onto sidewalks, medians and embankments as well as through red lights and stop signs.

The youth was stopped by police in an alley between 14th & 15th Street S.W. and 26th & 27th Avenue S.W. They had to use cruiser to stop the Ford F-350 the suspect was driving, and were struck head-on by the vehicle. The officer involved wasn’t seriously injured.

Three police vehicles were also damaged in the pursuit.

Officials say morning traffic was heavy at the time of the joyride.

“We are so fortunate that no one was injured or killed,” adds Tuza.

The suspect, believed to be 15-years-old, was taken into custody and transported to hospital by EMS with minor injuries.