The driver of a Volkswagen passenger vehicle, which caused a serious collision on Main Street near Summerfield Boulevard on Oct. 12 at 1:30 a.m., has been charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Impaired Operation Causing Bodily Harm, according to RCMP Media Liaison Constable Jason Curtis.
“There were no other vehicles involved, no pedestrians,” Curtis said. “They hit a tree. I don’t know if it was a full rollover, but it was an odd position they were in when they hit. It’s likely they were speeding. Given the damage to the occupants and the vehicle, speed could be considered a factor. Alcohol was definitely a factor.”
Curtis said a breathalyzer test was not given to the male driver at the scene. Instead his blood will be used to determine his blood alcohol level at the time of the collision, according to Curtis.
“Medical attention comes first. They’ll be getting their reading from the blood that was taken (at the hospital) with judicial authorization,” he explained.
Curtis said the man was taken to a hospital in Calgary by EMS with minor injuries to his hands and face. The female passenger was also taken to hospital with head and pelvic injuries.
“His injuries were somewhat minor. Her injuries were very serious. I don’t know if she’s still in hospital but I’d anticipate that her treatment is probably on-going,” he said.
Curtis was not able to provide more information about the man or woman.
“The information will be sworn shortly and then we’ll be able to release more details,” he said. “With regards to the passenger, we don’t really want to re-victimize her. She’s having a pretty rough time as it is. We won’t be releasing any information about that person.”
Aggravated Assault
Curtis said Edward Christopher Ypma, 42, of Airdrie has been charged with Aggravated Assault after an attack on a business associate at a residence on Oct. 17.
RCMP officers found the victim unconscious and suffering from serious head injuries. He was transported to a hospital in Calgary.
According to Curtis, the fight took place outside the residence, near a trailer.
“The individual who was injured is also from Airdrie,” Curtis said. “They were business associates of some kind.”
Curtis was not able to provide any further information about the injured man, including his age and whether or not he is still in hospital.
Ypma was arrested and taken to the Airdrie detachment after the incident in the Big Springs neighbourhood in Airdrie’s northeast that happened at 10:40 p.m. Curtis said witnesses at the residence where the alleged assault occurred called 911.
“He’s now in custody at the Calgary Remand Centre,” Curtis said.
A date for the accused to appear in court has not yet been set, according to Curtis.
Curtis said the investigation is still ongoing with the assistance of the General Investigative Section and RCMP Forensic Identification Service. He was not able to provide information about why the two men fought.
“The victim was very injured so he was not able to speak to police,” Curtis said.
If you have any information on any crime, call the Airdrie RCMP detachment at (403) 945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
