Wainwright RCMP, along with officers from the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, arrested Peter Richard Ashby (35) on Feb. 27, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. at a residence in Wainwright in relation to the fatal hit-and-run collision while fleeing police on Feb. 25, 2024. The victim of the collision has been identified as 45-year-old Fort Saskatchewan resident Kassandra Gartner.
Peter Ashby has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, flight from police, assault on police officer with weapon (x2), failing to stop at accident causing death, fail to stop at accident causing bodily harm, theft of car, theft of mail under $5,000; and operation of a vehicle while prohibited.
At the time of his arrest, Ashby was wanted on warrants out of Parkland County for the Dec. 19, 2023 and Dec. 22, 2023, thefts from lockers at the Spruce Grove Tri Leisure Centre.
Ashby was wanted out of Edmonton for a Jan. 25, 2023, theft/forgery of a credit card, driving while prohibited, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, fail to remain at the scene of an accident, and driving without insurance.
Ashby has been taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody on all matters with his next court date set for March 7, 2024, at the Alberta Provincial Court of Justice in Leduc, Edmonton and Stony Plain.
Additionally, Ashby is wanted out of Saskatchewan for the April 29, 2023, break-in and theft of computers from a hotel in Wynyard, Sask. and the April 29, 2023, break in and theft from Saskatoon.
“Peter Richard Ashby is the very definition of a prolific offender,” said Superintendent Leanne MacMillan Assistant Central Alberta District Officer.
“Offenders such as these cause the majority of harm to our communities, repeatedly victimizing the public and utilizing significant police resources in investigating their seemingly never-ending crimes.
“We are pleased to announce yesterday’s arrest, but are ever reminded of the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends that have been affected.”
Despite this arrest, the investigation is still ongoing. As this investigation evolves the charges are subject to change. Additional updates may be forthcoming.
Background
On Feb. 24, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., Beaumont RCMP located a person suspected of theft, in a parked 15-foot cube moving truck, at a business on 50 Street in Beaumont.
When members approached the truck and attempted an arrest, one male driver and one female passenger rammed into a police vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
Patrols were initiated to find the truck and, a short time later, it was observed on 50 Street and Highway 814 in Beaumont at a high rate of speed.
Meanwhile, Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Air One Helicopter was notified and provided its location to RCMP members. Multiple surrounding RCMP detachments, including Leduc and Strathcona, responded to assist.
As the truck was driving into Edmonton, a tire deflation device was deployed by RCMP, disabling multiple civilian vehicles. Consequently, an adult female exited one of the civilian vehicles and was fatally struck by the suspect truck. The truck failed to stop and continued driving into Edmonton.
The suspect vehicle then collided with another civilian vehicle, leaving an adult male in serious non-life-threatening condition. The truck was located at 50 Street and 22 Avenue in southwest Edmonton.
Further investigation revealed that the driver of the truck, an adult male, then proceeded to steal a parked 2020 Honda Civic at a nearby convenience store. This vehicle contained a child who was safely recovered and reunited with his family a short time later.
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