Calgary police believe speed and road rage may have played a role in a two-car crash on Wednesday that killed a teenage boy.
According to police, officers were called to the area of 16 Avenue and 52 Street Northeast at around 2:30 a.m. for reports of a 2010 Dodge Journey weaving in and out of traffic.
On Wednesday afternoon, police said the Dodge Journey approached the intersection of 52 Street and 16 Avenue N.E., police said it was hit from behind by a 2008 Buick Allure.
Sgt. Colin Foster said police believe the teen who died was driving the vehicle. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
EMS said two other teenage boys were transported to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
Police weren’t able to confirm the ages of the others who were taken to hospital, but said they were passengers in the victim’s vehicle.
Police allege the driver may have intentionally crashed into the second vehicle, causing it to roll.
Police told Global News a fight reportedly happened after the crash, at which time the suspect allegedly got into their car and drove off, leaving the scene.
“It appears the other vehicle stopped,” Foster said. “They may have got out of the vehicle and we’re obviously quite keen to find out those circumstances.”
Foster said police are canvassing the area for surveillance video and officers are particularly interested in any information about the events that led to the crash.
“I can’t comment into whether street racing is a factor in this particular crash. All I can say at the moment is it appears to be some form of road rage. Speed is a factor, how fast, I don’t know yet. We need to determine that, which is why we need to speak to people who may have seen what happened beforehand,” Foster stressed.
Police were searching for the silver Buick Allure that was involved in the crash, but said just before 8 a.m. that it had been located unoccupied in the Saddletowne area. Foster said the vehicle has a black hood. Despite this, police said no suspects are in custody.
“We are looking, at the moment, for at least two males that were in that vehicle,” Foster said. “The only description I’ve got is two males. That’s why we really need anybody who may have seen what happened beforehand, please come forward and help us out.”
On Thursday evening, police said an autopsy on the youth was done by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, but the young person’s identity won’t be released.
Three people were arrested Thursday, police said.
On May 20, Calgary police issued a plea to anyone who picked up the passengers of the Dodge Journey and gave them a ride following the crash.
“It is believed the passenger was picked up between the scene of the collision, near 52 Street and 16 Avenue N.E., and the area of the Village Square Leisure Centre located at the 2600 block of 56 Street N.E.,” police said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have information about the incident is asked to call the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
With files from Lauren Pullen
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