There was a dramatic police takedown north of Calgary on Tuesday.
A Calgary police HAWCS helicopter had been following a vehicle after a report of a possible carjacking at knifepoint in Calgary, RCMP said in a news release on Wednesday.
The vehicle was followed outside of the city limits on Highway 2 northbound into Airdrie. RCMP then joined the pursuit, along with the Calgary police tactical unit.
Near Airdrie, RCMP attempted to stop a silver Dodge Caravan, however, the van continued northbound while also increasing speed, police said.
Jody Newman witnessed part of the chase.
“All of a sudden, I heard sirens,” said Newman. “There were 15-20 cop cars following him. Lots of sirens. Lots of crazy chaos going on.”
Police said they continued to pursue the vehicle and a spike belt was deployed successfully along Township Road 285 near Crossfield, Alta.
“The suspect vehicle slowed considerably allowing the CPS Tactical unit and RCMP to safely engage the suspect vehicle and arrest the two suspects, a male and a female, without incident,” the news release said.
Police said they recovered a large knife from the van.
“The 35-year-old male suspect, who has yet to appear before a Justice of the Peace, is facing charges of robbery, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified and possession of methamphetamine. The female suspect is also facing charges,” police said.
Crossfield is about 40 kilometres north of Calgary.