It looked like a scene from a movie car chase when an estimated 20 to 30 high-end sports cars took to the Trans-Canada Highway – but Vin Diesel was nowhere to be found.
At about 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, (Sept. 10), Canmore RCMP were notified by the Cochrane detachment about a high-speed convoy travelling westbound on Highway 1.
Motorists had initially contacted RCMP reporting vehicles allegedly travelling at speeds close to 180 kilometres per hour.
An integrated traffic unit formed by RCMP and Alberta Traffic Sheriffs was dispatched to track the fleet of vehicles.
Cpl. Sabrina Clayton of Canmore RCMP confirmed that one of the drivers was pulled over and ticketed and, with the aid of witness statements, the investigation will continue and further charges may be laid.
Clayton said it remained unclear as to whether the drivers had pre-planned the event, or whether they had utilized motorcyclists or other means of scouting for police presence on the highway.
She said she couldn’t speak to the veracity of the “urban myth or legend” of speed fiends hiring professional pilots – also to act as scouts – but said RCMP were familiar with mobile phone apps and radar used for these same purposes, though whether they were used on Sunday is unknown at this time.
For now, the main focus of the investigation is on the dangerous and careless driving, which in some instances included impeding surrounding traffic and stunting.
Clayton encourages witnesses to contact Canmore RCMP with any information about the rally.
“Absolutely, come forward,” she said. “It’s imperative we hear from the public, and that they’re willing to follow up in court.”
Clayton said input from witnesses is crucial to the investigation as RCMP can’t always be the only eyes and ears on the ground. “The public is everywhere.”
