Strathmore RCMP make arrest in highway hit and run

Strathmore RCMP have charged a man in connection with a hit and run on Highway 1 and Range Road 274 May 14 and a string of liquor store armed robberies in the Calgary Region.
At 10:40 p.m. May 14, Starthmore RCMP responded with EMS to a collision between an SUV and motorcycle.
The driver of the motorcycle was transported to hospital by STARS air ambulance with serious injuries while the driver of the SUV fled the scene on foot.
RCMP police dog services were called in to assist with the search for the driver of the SUV.
Minutes after the collision, RCMP received a call from registered owner of the SUV claiming that the vehicle had been stolen in Airdrie.
Shortly after the call, the police dogs tracked the registered owner of the vehicle to a nearby field.
Christopher Ferguson, 27, was arrested for failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
“The vehicle had not been stolen and investigators believe that call was placed in an attempt to avoid apprehension,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Curtis Peters in a press release.
While investigating the collision, RCMP member discovered evidence in the SUV tying Ferguson to a robbery that occurred in Carstairs about an hour previous to the collision.
Police then obtained a search warrant for Ferguson’s Airdrie residence.
In the ensuing search further evidence was located which lead to additional charges related to a string of five armed robberies in the Calgary region.
Ferguson, from Airdrie, is facing a total of 20 Charges.
These include Robbery with an offensive weapon, assault with a weapon, failing to comply with probation conditions, impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, failing to remain at the scene of a collision, uttering threats and public mischief.
Ferguson has been remanded into custody and was scheduled to make his first appearance in Calgary Provincial Court on May 17.
RCMP continue to investigate and expect to lay further charges.