(Photo courtesy Red Deer RCMP)
On Feb. 14, 2026, at 6:13 a.m., Red Deer RCMP received a call of a glass break alarm at a downtown business in Red Deer, on Gaetz Avenue.
Police responded immediately and discovered the glass break alarm was the result of flying debris from a 2-vehicle collision. A black truck had collided with a white SUV at the intersection of 50th Street and Gaetz Avenue.
The driver of the white SUV was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver of the truck fled from the scene on foot. The truck drove onto the sidewalk, causing damage to a downtown building, and City of Red Deer property. Several lamp posts, garbage cans, and a fire hydrant were damaged.
No other people were injured because of the collision.
The police investigation determined the truck was previously stolen out of Red Deer, Alta., and had fled from Blackfalds RCMP earlier that day. Officers were able to identify the driver of the truck, who is well known to police.
On Feb. 22, 2026, Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) located the male suspect, and he was arrested without incident.
Nathaniel Tardif, 27, of Red Deer has been charged with:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
- Fail to stop after accident
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
- Flight from Peace Officer
- Operate motor vehicle while prohibited
Tardif was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, where he was remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Feb. 24, 2026, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.
If you have any information regarding criminal activity within Red Deer, please contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
