On Feb. 27, 2024, at 6:15 p.m., Wainwright RCMP, along with officers from the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, arrested Peter Richard Ashby (35) at a residence in Wainwright in relation to the fatal hit and run collision while fleeing police on Feb. 25, 2024.
The victim of the collision has been identified as 45 -year-old Fort Saskatchewan resident Kassandra Gartner.
Peter Ashby has been charged with:
- Dangerous driving causing death;
- Dangerous driving causing bodily harm;
- Flight from police;
- Assault on police officer with weapon (x2);
- Fail to stop at accident causing death;
- Fail to stop at accident causing bodily harm;
- Theft of car;
- Theft of mail under $5,000; and
- Operation of a vehicle while prohibited
At the time of his arrest, Ashby was wanted on warrants out of Parkland County for the Dec. 19, 2023 and Dec. 22, 2023, thefts from lockers at the Spruce Grove Tri Leisure Centre.
Ashby was wanted out of Edmonton for a Jan. 25, 2023, Theft/forgery of a credit card, Driving while prohibited, Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Fail to remain at the scene of an accident, and Driving without insurance.
Ashby has been taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody on all matters with his next court date set for March 7, 2024, at the Alberta Provincial Court of Justice in Leduc, Edmonton, and Stony Plain.
Additionally, Ashby is wanted out of Saskatchewan for the April 29, 2023, Break in and theft of computers from a hotel in Wynyard, Sask and the April 29, 2023, Break in and theft from Saskatoon.
"Peter Richard Ashby is the very definition of a prolific offender," said Superintendent Leanne MacMillan Assistant Central Alberta District Officer. "Offenders such as these cause the majority of harm to our communities, repeatedly victimizing the public and utilizing significant police resources in investigating their seemingly never-ending crimes. We are pleased to be announce yesterday's arrest, but are ever reminded of the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and friends that have been affected."
Despite this arrest, the investigation is still ongoing. As this investigation evolves the charges are subject to change. Additional updates may be forthcoming.