A 27-year-old Calgary woman who fled the scene of a single-vehicle accident that injured all occupants near Priddis on Tuesday faces several charges under the criminal code and Traffic Safety Act.
Turner Valley RCMP and local emergency services responded after a car travelling southbound on Priddis Valley Road lost contact with the road and rolled over into a property about one kilometre north of Highway 22 at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Aug. 25. Alcohol was determined to be a factor.
A press release from the Turner Valley RCMP states the driver fled the scene of the accident and that RCMP Police Dog Services and CPS HAWCS helicopter assisted with the search. A Calgary woman was discovered about two hours later walking along Highway 22 near Priddis Valley Road and arrested. She had minor injuries, but didn’t require medical assistance.
“We can’t confirm at this time why she took off,” said Cpl. Tammy Keibel, RCMP Southern Alberta District media relations officer. “People can react differently in those traumatic situations. Because it was a significant incident we did want to find her as soon as possible and ensure she wasn’t in need of any immediate assistance.”
Keibel said in incidents like these, it’s important to have other resources to assist the RCMP.
“In this situation, especially because there was someone that was unaccounted for, the police dog service being brought in to find a track and help locate the individual is a great resource that we have,” she said. “The partnerships we have with the Calgary Police Service and additional services and the immediate assistance with the HAWC's helicopter - we’re very fortunate in this area to have those and call on those resources when required.”
The vehicle had three other occupants, two of whom sustained serious injuries. A 21-year-old Siksika Nation woman was transported via STARS Air Ambulance to a Calgary area hospital and a 23-year-old Eden Valley man was transported by ground ambulance, Keibel said. A 23-year-old Calgary man received minor injuries, she said.
The RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and assisted with the investigation. An update on the incident will be provided when available in a subsequent press release, Keibel said.
“All contributing factors are being looked at that may be considered,” she said. “The accident is still under investigation.”
Ashley Clearsky was charged with impaired operation over.08, two counts of impaired operation causing bodily harm, two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and failing to remain on scene. She was also charged with four offences under the Traffic Safety Act.
Clearsky is set to appear in Turner Valley Provincial Court on Oct. 13, 2020.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Turner Valley RCMP at 403-933-7227. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
