Manitoba man charged following pursuit on QEII

Airdrie RCMP have arrested a 28-year-old Manitoba man following a pursuit on the QEII Highway.

RCMP say an officer observed a vehicle driving erratically near Crossfield just after 10 p.m. on Saturday

The officer tried to pull over the vehicle, suspecting the driver was impaired, after the vehicle almost collided with another on the highway.

The vehicle then fled from police at a high speed, travelling southbound on the QEII before crossing the median and intentionally driving into oncoming traffic, according to RCMP.

The vehicle continued southbound in the northbound lanes for about two kilometres before driving through a fence and onto Range Road 293.

The driver then attempted to get back onto the highway but collided with a police vehicle, which blocked the vehicle from regaining access.

The driver then fled on foot. A suspect was arrested the next morning after stopping at a nearby home to ask for help.

Michael Renz is charged with 10 offences, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, and obstruction and breaching his recognizance.

He remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Airdrie on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Airdrie RCMP also charged another man with impaired driving and firearms offences following a separate traffic stop on Sunday.

Airdrie RCMP assisted Airdrie Municipal Enforcement in arresting the man after he was stopped for speeding on Dickson Stevenson Trail at the north end of Airdrie’s city limits at about 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.

The officer immediately detected the smell of liquor on the driver and noticed a firearm sitting on the dash of the vehicle. RCMP were called to assist and the man was arrested following “a short scuffle” with officers.

The 29-year-old Airdrie man, whom police are not naming, is charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, impaired operation over .08, resisting/obstructing a peace officer and careless use of a firearm.