The tragic incident that unfolded on Saturday in Southeast Edmonton has left the community reeling with shock and sorrow. The victim, identified as Kassandra Gartner, a resident of Fort Saskatchewan, was struck and killed by a U-Haul truck during a police pursuit that resulted in a crash. The Mounties were attempting to stop the U-Haul, which had reportedly rammed a police cruiser, by laying a tire deflation device in the area of 50 Street and Highway 814 in Beaumont.
Kassandra Gartner, a 45-year-old woman, was not involved in the police pursuit but became an unintended casualty after hitting the tire deflation device and exiting her SUV. Her family released a heartfelt statement on Monday, describing her as a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, as well as a pillar in the community. Fort Saskatchewan Mayor Gale Katchur also paid tribute to Gartner’s work as the executive director of the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, highlighting her dedication and impact on the community.
The driver of the U-Haul fled the scene after hitting Gartner, continuing to drive and causing another collision with a separate vehicle. The driver then abandoned the U-Haul at a nearby gas station and proceeded to carjack a 2020 Honda Civic with a child inside. Fortunately, the child was later dropped off unharmed, and the Civic was found abandoned outside the city. The Edmonton Police Service is actively searching for the driver, described as approximately 5’11” and wearing specific clothing.
In addition to the driver, a woman was also in the U-Haul at the time of the incident. Authorities have located her at the gas station, but details regarding her custody status or potential charges remain undisclosed. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is currently investigating the use of the tire deflation device that led to Kassandra Gartner’s tragic death, as part of their mandate to examine cases involving serious injury or death related to Alberta police actions.
As the community mourns the loss of Kassandra Gartner, plans for a vigil at Fort Saskatchewan City Hall have been announced for Thursday evening. The search for the driver involved in the fatal crash and subsequent carjacking continues, with the public urged to come forward with any information that may assist authorities in their investigation..
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