Two women charged in carjacking spree

Two women are facing numerous charges following a carjacking spree that started in Sylvan Lake and ended in a collision in Red Deer on Wednesday.

At around 8:48 p.m., Sylvan Lake Mounties responded to a complaint about two women, believed to be intoxicated at the time, in a ditch.

Police said in a news release on Friday that the two were dropped off by a man driving a Ford F-150, and that truck had driven through a fence.

The truck, which was reported stolen from the Rocky Mountain House area, was later abandoned in a nearby field and lit on fire.

Police said officers later learned one of the property owners in the area was assaulted and their Dodge Durango was stolen.

RCMP dog services, Rocky Mountain House RCMP, and RCMP air services were called in to assist.

A short time later the vehicle was seen travelling at high speed eastbound on Highway 11, heading towards Red Deer.

The vehicle was seen entering Red Deer, driving erratically on Highway 2. At around 9 a.m., police pursued the vehicle for a short time but called off the chase for public safety reasons.

The Durango would later collide with two other vehicles at 51 Avenue and 48 Street and then again near 59 Avenue after it went into oncoming traffic and struck a van.

Police said the two women exited the vehicle and attempted to steal the van. That’s when police moved in and arrested both women. No injuries were reported. Back in Sylvan Lake, police found two prohibited firearms in the area.

A 2007 grey Chevrolet Silverado was also reported stolen from a nearby home and is still missing. Police believe the male driver who dropped off the women may be involved.

Chelsea Crowley, 27, and Brianna Crookedlegs, 20, were charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon without holding a licence, robbery and possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm.

Crowley faces an additional five counts for breach of recognizance. Both are scheduled for a judicial interim release hearing on Oct. 28.

The investigation into the missing Silverado is ongoing.

The Silverado is described as grey, with black rims, a small push bar on the front and small dents.