Red Deer RCMP arrested a 27-year-old man on February 22, 2026, following an investigation into a serious downtown collision involving a stolen vehicle. The Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team took Nathaniel Tardif into custody without incident in relation to the February 14, 2026, crash at the intersection of 50 Street and Gaetz Avenue.
According to police, the truck had fled from Blackfalds RCMP earlier that morning before colliding with a white SUV in Red Deer. The impact sent debris flying, triggering a glass-break alarm at a nearby business at 6:13 a.m. The driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The truck drove onto the sidewalk after the collision, causing extensive damage to a downtown building and City of Red Deer property, including several lamp posts, garbage cans, and a fire hydrant. Tardif allegedly fled the scene on foot following the crash.
Tardif faces five charges, including:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
- Failure to stop after an accident
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Flight from a peace officer
- Operating a motor vehicle while prohibited
Tardif was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on February 24, 2026.
