Caught on the Fly: HAWCS Tracks Down Reckless Driver in Calgary

A dangerous high-speed pursuit involving a stolen truck ripped through central Calgary communities on Monday, October 20, 2025, culminating in charges against a 28-year-old man. The incident began around 3:00 PM when Calgary Police Service officers spotted a reported stolen Ford F-150 in the downtown core.

When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, leading officers through residential areas of Mission and Beltline. For public safety reasons, the pursuit was called off near Macleod Trail. The stolen truck was later found abandoned in Southwood. An investigation quickly identified Mark "Sparky" Johnson, who was apprehended Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025. Johnson now faces charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and evading police. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

This incident is a stark reminder of Calgary's persistent battle with vehicle theft. Auto theft claims in Calgary surged by 59% between 2021 and 2023, contributing to rising insurance premiums for local drivers. Despite a national decrease in auto theft, Alberta continues to hold the highest per capita rate of thefts in Canada. Dangerous driving incidents like Monday's also feed into ongoing public safety concerns voiced by residents in downtown and Beltline, where property crime and public disorder remain top worries. Calgary police are continually working to address these issues, though recovery rates for stolen vehicles in Alberta have seen a recent decrease.

This story comes to us from the Calgary Newsroom. Get more info at the source: https://newsroom.calgary.ca/man-charged-in-dangerous-driving-incident-involving-stolen-vehicle/