Man who attempted to flee police in court

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on April 30, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 33-year-old Lundbreck man accused of fleeing from police before he was apprehended late last week, had his matter addressed Monday in Lethbridge court of justice.

Shaine William Smith, who remains in custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre and was not required to attend court, was represented by duty counsel who explained Smith intends to apply to Legal Aid for a lawyer. The matter was adjourned to May 13, ostensibly for a bail hearing and to confirm whether he has counsel.

At about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, a Piikani RCMP officer attempted a traffic stop on a motorist who, instead of stopping, sped away. When police located the suspect a second time, the driver deliberately drove at the RCMP cruiser, swerving at the last second before colliding with the officer.

“His disregard for other users of the road is a large concern for RCMP,” stated a news release.

The RCMP requested anyone with information to call them, and Friday they reported the driver had been arrested.

Smith, who at the time was bound by a Canada-wide driving prohibition, is charged with two counts of driving while prohibited and single counts of flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving and failure to comply with a probation order.