The Edmonton Police Service has charged one person in connection with a dangerous boating incident that took place in south Edmonton.
On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, police and city park rangers initiated an investigation after receiving several complaints about a powerboat that had operated recklessly on Whitemud Creek during the afternoon of Saturday, June 24, 2023.
It was alleged that four occupants in the powerboat, travelled at a high rate of speed in the narrow and shallow water, narrowly avoiding collisions with several canoes that were operating in the area at the time.
The powerboat continued down the creek at a high rate of speed until it hit a downed tree in the water. The powerboat was forced ashore and became immobilized until the occupants exited the vessel and freed it. They then got back in and continued down the creek. Fortunately, no one was injured.
No sound because I was actively on the phone reporting these guys and apparently my phone doesn't like to multitask. They didn't know we were here: if we hadn't pulled off just the moment earlier when we heard them coming, we probably would've been crushed. pic.twitter.com/D3l2HbtQeH
— Chris On A Bike (@ChrisOnABikeYEG) June 24, 2023
“We are grateful for those who provided video of this incident as it really put the level of danger into perspective,” says Acting Detective Ben Davis from the EPS Investigative Response Team. “The risk of serious injury or death to those who were out on the water at the time was a real possibility and totally unnecessary.
“Everyone has the right to enjoy our creeks and rivers safely. Reckless and unlawful activity like this puts people’s lives at unnecessary risk,” said Zain Haji, Investigating Park Ranger with the City of Edmonton’s Marine Unit. “We are grateful to the public for reporting this incident and to our partners at EPS for working on this investigation with us and for laying these charges.”
After conducting a thorough investigation, a 26-year-old male was identified as the driver of the powerboat.
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, police charged Colton Goodkey with one criminal count of dangerous operation of a conveyance.
Anyone with information or video of this incident is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
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