On Monday, July 30, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m. officers observed a Buick Rendezvous in the area of 101 Street and 108 Avenue with a stolen license plate. The Buick came to a stop and the driver exited the vehicle before officers approached in their marked police car with its emergency lights on. As officers attempted to speak with the driver, the man jumped back into the Buick and sped away, initiating a criminal flight from police.
Officers followed the vehicle, which proceeded through a red light west bound on 107 Avenue at 101 Street. As the suspect vehicle continued westbound on 107 Avenue it left the roadway striking a lamp post, sheering off its base, and subsequently striking a pedestrian on the road.
Patrol officers immediately attempted deliberate vehicle contact to terminate the criminal flight of the suspect, which was successfully done at 103 Street. The male suspect fled the scene on foot but was apprehended a short distance away after a foot pursuit by officers.
The pedestrian, a 25-year-old woman, who was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to hospital, sustained multiple serious injuries.
Officers arrested and charged Tyler James Bjornstad, 31, with: flight from peace officer (motor vehicle) – causing bodily harm; dangerous driving – bodily harm; fail to stop at accident – bodily harm; disqualified driving; possession of stolen property under $5,000; breach of recognizance (x2).
Downtown Criminal Investigation Section continues to investigate the incident. ASIRT is investigating the circumstances surrounding the conduct of police during the criminal flight response. The EPS will not be providing further information or comment regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident given the ongoing ASIRT investigation.