On May 1, 2025 at approximately 7:45 pm, Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to citizen complaints of illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on Confederation Way approaching Tower Road in the Timberlea area of Fort McMurray.
It was reported to police that 20 to 25 OHVs, including dirt bikes, were driving erratically in the area, cutting motorists off and engaging in stunting behaviour such as ‘wheelies’.
Wood Buffalo RCMP along with Remote Pilot Aerial Systems (RPAS), or more commonly known as drones and responded to the area.
Police spoke with multiple OHV users in the area and warned them of the dangers of driving in such a dangerous manner.
Police continued to note repeated illegal use of OHV in the areas of Tower Road, Confederation Way and Cartier Road near Syncrude Athletic Park for the next hour.
At approximately 8:45 pm, Wood Buffalo RCMP Municipal Traffic Services observed four dirt bikes driving erratically and stunting on Tower Road.
The four bikes fled after RCMP activated their emergency lights.
RCMP said due to the significant risks to the public and the drivers, a pursuit was not engaged.
RCMP utilized the drones and located and followed the dirt bikes to a greenspace.
One driver was arrested, resulting in the seizure of the dirt bike by RCMP. The three remaining dirt bikes continued to flee from police and were not located.
The driver, a 19-year-old male resident of Fort McMurray, is facing charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from a peace officer
The driver, who cannot be named until an Information is sworn, was released from custody. He is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice – Fort McMurray on June 11, 2025.
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