Impaired Driver Arrested After Striking School Bus in Strathmore Hit-and-Run Incident
An impaired driver was apprehended by Strathmore RCMP following a dangerous hit-and-run collision involving a school bus on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The incident, which occurred during morning hours, prompted multiple emergency calls from concerned citizens who witnessed the driver's erratic behavior on local roadways.
Dangerous Morning Commute Disrupted by Reckless Driving
At approximately 8:20 a.m., Strathmore RCMP officers responded to numerous reports of an erratic driver operating a vehicle dangerously along Wheatland Trail. Witnesses described the individual driving at excessive speeds in oncoming traffic lanes, creating a hazardous situation for morning commuters and school transportation.
The situation escalated when the driver attempted to pass a moving school bus on the right side near the intersection of Willow Drive. According to police statements released on Friday, the vehicle subsequently drove onto the sidewalk and sideswiped the school bus, causing damage to the passenger side and bus doors before fleeing the scene at high speed.
Public Assistance Leads to Swift Arrest
Alert bystanders who observed the driver's concerning behavior immediately contacted authorities, providing crucial information about the vehicle's movements. The driver continued to demonstrate reckless driving patterns, running multiple stop lights and stop signs before eventually reaching a business location on Lakeside Boulevard at Parklane Drive.
Following the collision, the driver abandoned the vehicle and entered the Strathmore Town Hall building. RCMP officers quickly responded to the location, where they apprehended the individual and transported them to the Strathmore detachment for further investigation and processing.
Charges Filed Against Local Resident
The arrested individual has been identified as a 36-year-old resident of Strathmore, located approximately 50 kilometers east of Calgary. While authorities have not released the driver's identity publicly, they have confirmed that multiple charges will be filed, including:
- Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired
- Failure to comply with an impairment test
- Failure to stop at the scene of an accident
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
Following medical treatment, the driver was released with appropriate documentation and is scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on March 17, 2026, to answer to these serious charges.
RCMP Emphasizes Road Safety Priorities
Staff Sergeant Mark Wielogsz, detachment commander for Strathmore RCMP, emphasized the importance of addressing impaired driving as part of ongoing road safety initiatives. In an official statement, Wielogsz expressed gratitude toward the public for their timely reporting and valuable observations that directly contributed to the successful apprehension of the driver.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among students, bus personnel, or other motorists involved in or affected by the incident. This outcome highlights both the seriousness of the offense and the fortunate avoidance of potential tragedy through coordinated public and police response.
The Strathmore RCMP continues to remind residents about the dangers of impaired driving and encourages community members to report suspicious or dangerous driving behaviors promptly to help maintain roadway safety throughout the region.
