A Calgary woman is facing charges after allegedly fleeing an officer in a stolen pickup truck before crashing it into ditch on a rural highway.
RCMP say someone from Rosedale, a community southeast of Drumheller, reported having their truck stolen around 5:30 a.m. Monday.
It is alleged a woman stole the white 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck from the victim’s home.
The pickup truck was spotted travelling east on Highway 564 south of Drumheller around 7 a.m. Police allege an officer tried to stop the vehicle but the driver fled at a high speed.
It is further alleged the driver lost control at an intersection and crash into the ditch before coming to a stop in a field.
Police say the driver was not injured and was arrested at the scene. Investigators learned the woman behind the wheel had previously been released from custody on a conditional order.
“In this case, the keys for the vehicle were left in the vehicle making the vehicle an easy target for theft,” says Staff Sgt. Robert Harms in a statement. “We strongly urge all vehicle owners to remove keys and lock the vehicle when not in use.”
“Unfortunately, this vehicle sustained major damage during the incident and we are fortunate that no persons were injured during this occurrence.”
Trina Murphy, 33, of Calgary is facing six charges including fleeing an officer, dangerous operation of a vehicle, vehicle theft and three counts of failing to comply with release order or an undertaking.
She is scheduled to appear in a Cochrane courtroom on Tuesday.