19-year-old Airdrie resident faces charges after reckless driving spree

A 19-year-old Airdronian has been charged with multiple offences stemming from several dangerous driving incidents that included fleeing from police and driving under the influence.

According to Mounties, earlier this week on Tuesday afternoon,  Drumheller RCMP members on patrol observed a dark blue Jeep travelling at a high rate of speed through the downtown core of Drumheller but were not able to initiate a traffic stop.  

"Soon after, complaints from the public were received alleging a dark blue Jeep was driving through intersections at high rates of speeds near pedestrians," police stated in a release.'

 An investigation was launched and the vehicle was soon observed by RCMP members leaving a local lounge.  A traffic stop was attempted; however, the vehicle fled from police at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous manner.  For public safety reasons, the vehicle was not pursued.

Hours later, at 3:22 am, the suspect vehicle was observed travelling west on North Dinosaur Trail in Drumheller and came to a stop for reasons that were later determined to be that it ran out of fuel. 

"RCMP members approached the vehicle and took the driver into custody.  During the investigation, several liquor containers were found in the vehicle, the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s licence, and the driver was believed to be impaired by alcohol."

The driver provided breath samples that were over twice the legal limit.

Ashtyn Verkerk was charged with dangerous Driving of a Conveyance; impaired Operation of a Conveyance; operating a Conveyance with a Blood Alcohol level exceeding 80 mg; Flight from Police; Driving while unauthorized; and transporting Liquor in an Open Container.

Police added that Verkerk was subject to Provincial Sanctions for Impaired Operation of a Motor vehicle and his vehicle was seized for 30 days.

He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on January 19, 2024 to answer to the charges.

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