An Edmonton man is probably regretting not making "no drunk driving" and "No stolen vehicles" his New Year's resolutions after he was arrested on New Year's Day on the QEII.
Jamie Michael Richard Prince, 23, is facing charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle while impaired, operation of a motor vehicle over 0.08, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
The arrest came after Prince was spotted driving a truck and trailer southbound in the northbound lanes by Leduc police, who were in the area on an unrelated matter.
Police signalled the driver to pull over but he did not, police said, and police pursued.
The chase ended after police were able to force the truck onto the median's shoulder.
"Investigation revealed that the truck was recently stolen out of Edmonton," RCMP Cpl Laurel Scott said. "Several motorists reported that while it was travelling southbound in the wrong lane, it narrowly avoided collisions."
Scott said the stolen truck almost collided with several vehicles, including a bus that had to take "extreme evasive action" to avoid a collision.
"This situation could very easily have resulted in a fatal collision involving several people," Insp. Kevin Kunetzki of the Leduc RCMP said. "Fortunately it was resolved with no injury or property damage to the general public, the suspect driver, or the police."
Prince was released after a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5.