A 77-year-old man is facing impaired driving charges after a June collision injured an Edmonton police officer and a police service dog. Read More
“Every day, our officers face real risks while serving this city, and this incident is a reminder of how dangerous this work can be”
“Every day, our officers face real risks while serving this city, and this incident is a reminder of how dangerous this work can be”
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A 77-year-old man is facing impaired driving charges after a June collision injured an Edmonton police officer and a police service dog.
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Just after 1:30 p.m. on June 27, an officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from a convenience store near 23 Avenue and 56 Street, Edmonton Police Service said in a release.
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Officers were able to track a cellphone left inside, and with the help of patrol and an EPS Air 1 helicopter, the vehicle was found parked in an alley near 106 Street and 106A Avenue.
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Officers and an EPS service dog moved in to arrest the driver and passenger, when an officer and the canine officer were struck by another vehicle.
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Police say in the release that the officer was treated on scene and transported to hospital with a serious, non-life-threatening injury that required surgery. The officer has since been released from hospital and is recovering.
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The EPS service dog was taken in for veterinary assessment after suffering minor injuries. Police say the EPS service dog is expected to make a full recovery and will return to active duty in the coming weeks.
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The major collision investigations section took over the investigation and has charged Tomas Rodriguez, 77, with impaired operation causing bodily harm and impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or exceeding 80 milligrams.
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Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court on July 23.
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“Every day, our officers face real risks while serving this city, and this incident is a reminder of how dangerous this work can be,” said EPS Staff Sgt. Craig Mathewson of the field response branch in a release.
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“We’re incredibly grateful our officer will recover, and that the PSD was not seriously injured.”
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The suspects from the stolen vehicle were arrested on scene by officers.
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Colby Comeau, 33, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 1, while Jesse McFawn, 29, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and operation of a vehicle while prohibited. McFawn is scheduled to appear in court on July 21.
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