Accused in fatal police chase held

A man police charged in the death of a passenger after a truck crashed into a fence during a pursuit with Saskatoon police, is scheduled to return to court next month.

Reece Terrance Fiddler, 20, appeared in Saskatoon provincial court this week, facing nearly two dozen charges, including dangerous driving causing death and evading police causing death.

He was remanded in custody and is due back in court on Nov. 8.

Patrol officers were in the area of 17th Street and Avenue V South on Sunday around 4:20 a.m. when they spotted a vehicle “known to be stolen,” police said in a news release. The truck, along with a firearm and ammunition that were inside, had been reported stolen the previous day. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver immediately fled the scene and a pursuit ensued.

Police said the truck struck a fence on the north side of the building that houses Shaw Centre, Bethlehem High School and Tommy Douglas Collegiate in the 100 block of Bowlt Crescent. The 21-year-old passenger suffered fatal injuries in the collision. Police said they found four guns and ammunition inside the vehicle.

Fiddler is charged with dangerous driving causing death, evading police causing death, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of breach of probation and four counts each of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of an unauthorized firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm contrary to an order.

The forensic identification section, collision analyst unit and the criminal investigation section are all investigating.

Saskatchewan Justice has appointed oversight into the investigation.