The Edmonton Police Service has laid dozens of charges after a series of crimes between Monday and Wednesday, including several carjackings, robberies and collisions — including a terrifying incident where a driving vehicle was rammed several times and caught on video.
The suspect was initially charged with four hit-and-runs, two carjackings, two attempted carjackings and four robberies.
On May 30, police announced 23 more charges were laid, including five counts each of robbery, using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.
On Tuesday night, police confronted the suspect when they were called to reports of a white Dodge Ram actively smashing other vehicles near 117 Avenue and 102 Street.
That’s where one of the officers fired their gun, before police said the driver jumped back in the truck, fled the area and was involved in another armed carjacking nearby.
Officers continued to chase the man all night.
During the rampage, the suspect allegedly used one of the stolen vehicles to ram another driver dozens of times during the Wednesday morning rush hour on the south leg of Anthony Henday Drive.
Part of the incident was recorded, as seen in the video player at the top of this story.
The crime spree ended later Wednesday morning when a stolen red Dodge Ram crashed into a stand of trees near a condo complex along 23 Avenue, between 64 and 66 Street, near Mill Woods Town Centre.
That’s where the suspect was arrested, police said.
Michael Russell Lariviere, 44, faces 28 charges:
- Seven counts of using an imitation firearm to commit an offence
- Six counts of robbery
- Four counts of failing to stop at an accident
- Three counts of assault with a weapon
- Two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession of a dangerous weapon
- Flight from a peace officer
- Assault causing bodily harm
- Dangerous driving causing bodily harm
- Two counts of breaching conditions
Police said at least two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the carjackings.
“The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected,” said police.
Because officers fired their weapon, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was called in, but then handed the investigation back over to EPS.
In an update Thursday, Edmonton police said the Director of Law Enforcement told EPS to assume responsibility for the investigation of the police shooting.
ASIRT will provide oversight to the investigation, police said.