Two men injured in separate pedestrian collisions; one pedestrian charged, issued tickets

Lethbridge Police were called to investigate two separate collisions over the weekend where pedestrians ran out into traffic and were struck by vehicles. In one of the incidents the pedestrian was charged and ticketed.

On December 30, 2022 at approximately 7:30 p.m. police responded to a report that a male had been struck in the westbound lanes of Whoop Up Drive. Police and EMS responded and the male was transported to hospital with serious injuries. Investigation determined the 36-year-old male had initially been on the pedestrian path before intentionally running out onto the road. Several vehicles narrowly missed him before he was struck. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was operating their vehicle in a safe and lawful matter and is not facing any charges. The male remains in hospital with serious injuries, but is stable and expected to survive. The westbound lanes of Whoop Up Drive were closed for just over two hours while police were on scene.

On December 31, 2022 at approximately 6:15 p.m. police responded to a report of a pedestrian collision along Scenic Drive, south of the exit for Whoop Up Drive. Investigation determined a male ran east across Scenic Drive South and flagged down a vehicle in the northbound lanes. He banged on the hood and demanded a ride before proceeding to dive in front of a second vehicle. The male sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was driving in a safe and lawful manner and is not facing any charges. During the transport to hospital the male assaulted a paramedic.

Jared Derrick Potts, 31, is charged with assault. He was also issued tickets for tampering with a motor vehicle and stunting. He’s scheduled to appear in court on the assault charge April 19, 2023.