Police stop high-speed street race and criminally charge young drivers
Over the weekend, Lethbridge Police disrupted a dangerous street race, apprehended three impaired drivers and issued more than 100 violation tickets targeting high-risk and nuisance driving.
On June 5, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a motorcycle officer monitoring traffic observed a truck stopped at the intersection of 6 Avenue and Mayor Magrath Drive South repeatedly accelerating and braking to bounce the rear of the vehicle. When the light turned green, the truck accelerated to approximately 125 km/h.
Police followed the vehicle and, as it approached 9 Avenue South, a sedan passed the officer at an extremely high rate of speed. Both vehicles continued to accelerate, overtaking multiple motorists. The officer positioned between lanes to safely manoeuvre through traffic and conducted a stop of both vehicles near 12 Avenue South.
Two youths, aged 16 and 17, were criminally charged with dangerous driving and issued violation tickets for careless driving and speeding. The driver of the truck was additionally ticketed for stunting and failing to maintain equipment in good working order. Both are scheduled to appear in court on July 8.
On the evening of June 6, LPS partnered with Alberta Sheriffs as part of an ongoing targeted enforcement initiative focused on speeding, excessive vehicle noise, stunting, racing, and other illegal driving behaviours in areas of the city identified through public complaints and data analysis.
A total of 116 violation tickets were issued during the operation, including two for speeds exceeding 50 km/h over the limit. In addition, police ticketed drivers for equipment violations (including loud exhaust and illegal window tint), stunting and driving without insurance. Officers issued one Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fail and two IRS Warns to impaired drivers, executed one outstanding warrant and towed multiple vehicles.
The targeted traffic enforcement initiative was launched in 2022 and continues each summer, when high-risk and nuisance driving typically increase due to favourable weather and road conditions. The project is ongoing in 2026, and police are advising motorists that a zero-tolerance approach will be maintained.
Enforcement under the Traffic Safety Act and Vehicle Equipment Regulation may result in violation tickets. Repeat offenders who fail to address previously identified equipment violations may be subject to licence plate and registration seizure. Vehicles may also be towed, and owners required to complete mandatory repairs under Section 66 of the Traffic Safety Act before the vehicle is permitted back on the road.
Members of the Traffic Response Unit will continue to provide a highly visible presence during these targeted initiatives to deter illegal driving and support enforcement efforts. This work is in addition to regular traffic enforcement conducted by TRU and patrol officers.
The public is encouraged to report violations and ongoing high-risk driving behaviour by calling 403-328-4444. Public reports and traffic data analysis help guide enforcement priorities and police deployment.
