Red Deer RCMP lay charges after suspect arrest, separate crash leads to impaired charge

Red Deer, Alta. — Police in Red Deer made an arrest on outstanding warrants and laid additional charges after a suspect fled officers, while a separate collision at the same scene resulted in an impaired driving charge.

On Apr. 1, 2026, the RCMP Crime Reduction Team began an investigation to locate a repeat offender wanted on multiple warrants. The following day, officers tracked the suspect to a rural residence, where he fled in a vehicle. Police deployed a tire deflation device, but the driver continued at high speed.

With assistance from Police Dog Services, officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the lone occupant, 51-year-old James Holley of Red Deer. In addition to the outstanding warrants, he faces charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance and driving without insurance.

Following a judicial interim release hearing, Holley was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Red Deer court on Apr. 17, 2026.

While officers were on scene with emergency lights active and tow trucks present, an SUV failed to slow down and struck the rear of a stopped pickup truck, triggering a multi-vehicle collision.

The 46-year-old female driver of the SUV was arrested and charged with impaired driving. She was issued a 90-day licence suspension under Alberta’s Immediate Roadside Sanctions program. No injuries were reported.

RCMP acknowledged assistance from the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, which was in the area at the time.

Police are reminding motorists to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.