Justice Pursued: Charges Laid in December's Multi-Vehicle Edmonton Hit-and-Run

You know, some incidents just stick with you, leaving a real sense of unease until there's some movement towards justice. That’s certainly been the case for many in Edmonton following a truly harrowing multi-vehicle hit-and-run that rocked the northwest part of the city back in early December. Well, there's finally a significant update: after weeks of painstaking investigation, police have officially laid a slew of charges against a suspect in connection with that violent collision, bringing a measure of closure, at least in this phase, to the deeply affected community and, of course, the victims.

Let's cast our minds back to December 2nd, 2023. It was around 7:30 p.m. when things took a terrible turn near the intersection of 127 Street and 137 Avenue. According to police, a stolen grey Toyota RAV4, allegedly driven by the now-accused, barreled into a Honda CRV. The force of that initial impact was so severe that the CRV was then propelled into a Honda Civic. It’s the kind of chain reaction nobody ever wants to be a part of, especially on a regular evening drive.

The consequences were immediate and tragic. Five individuals, split between the Honda CRV and the Honda Civic, sustained injuries. And sadly, for one woman, the situation was particularly dire; she suffered life-threatening injuries, a truly devastating outcome. What makes this whole scenario even more infuriating, perhaps, is that the driver of the RAV4 didn't stay to face the music. Instead, they reportedly fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a chaotic mess and seriously injured people. It’s an act that, frankly, leaves many shaking their heads.

But the Edmonton Police Service wasn't about to let this one go unsolved. Their Major Collision Investigations Section got right to work, diligently sifting through evidence, reviewing footage, and following every lead. Fast forward a couple of months, and their persistence paid off. On February 7, 2024, they made an arrest, taking 38-year-old Shon David Barry into custody. As it turns out, Mr. Barry wasn't just unknown to the law; he was already wanted on several outstanding warrants, adding another layer to this complex case.

Now, as for the charges themselves, they paint a pretty clear picture of the severity of the alleged actions. Barry faces a formidable list: five counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, matching the number of people injured; five counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm; and charges for flight from a peace officer. On top of that, he's also charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, driving while prohibited, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. It’s a comprehensive set of accusations that really highlights the multifaceted nature of this incident.

While an arrest and charges are a significant step, it's important to remember that this is just the beginning of the legal process. The courts will now take over, and Mr. Barry will have his day in court. For the victims, their families, and indeed, for the wider Edmonton community, this development offers a glimmer of hope that accountability will be served for an event that caused so much pain and disruption. It’s a stark reminder of the serious consequences of reckless behaviour behind the wheel and the unwavering dedication of our police force to pursue justice, no matter how long it takes.