A 28-year-old man is charged with attempted murder in connection with a road rage incident officers described as “vicious” and which left the victim with two broken arms.
The woman was taken to hospital after she was hit with a crowbar in southeast Edmonton Tuesday morning.
It happened at around 6:30 a.m. in the area of 76 Avenue and 87 Street.
“This particular event warranted that charge,” Staff Sgt. Christa Pennie said. “We consulted with the right people to make sure. Just based on the events that took place, that’s the reason we laid that charge.”
“She received two broken arms which she required surgery for and she’s still recovering from those injuries.”
Edmonton police spokesperson Scott Pattison said police believe the suspect was swinging for the woman’s head but she was able to block the crow bar with her arms.
“Having two broken arms is a devastating event for anybody, both physically and emotionally, and I know the family is traumatized by this, having spoken with investigators. They’re frightened,” Pattison said.
READ MORE: Edmonton woman suffers 2 broken arms after crow bar attack in ‘vicious road rage’ incident
Police were told a 34-year-old woman was heading north on 87 Street when she approached a silver Pontiac Wave. The Wave was stopped in the eastbound lane as she attempted to turn onto 77 Avenue.
The woman honked her horn, then passed the vehicle.
Police said the driver of the Pontiac followed the woman to a nearby home in the King Edward Park neighbourhood. When the woman got out of her vehicle to go inside the house, the male suspect ran up to her and hit her on both arms with a crowbar, police said in a media release Tuesday.
The EPS released dashcam pictures as well as a vehicle description, hoping to identify the suspect. He was arrested on Wednesday.
Police said it was the public and media sharing the information about the suspect and his vehicle that led to the arrest.
“We really appreciate all the help from the community,” Pennie said. “It was quite amazing to watch how everybody banded together. I’m still getting Crime Stoppers tips… We got stuff from social media; we had people coming into the station. It did affect a lot of people.”
Jared Matthew Eliasson, 28, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and aggravated assault.
He is in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, March 13.
Watch below: Security expert Ross McLean breaks down the incident and how police may be able to track down the suspect