Red Deer, Alta. – On Aug. 12, 2025, at approximately 4:21 p.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to a serious motor vehicle near 40 Avenue and 22 Street in Red Deer, involving a stolen vehicle. The driver of the stolen vehicle fled the scene by stealing a vehicle from someone who stopped to assist in the collision. After being involved in a second collision, the suspect fled on foot, however, he was quickly apprehended by RCMP.
As a result of this collision, Red Deer resident Shelley Thornton (46), was fatally injured. RCMP sends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Shelley.
Ryan Allan Bell (33), a resident of Red Deer County, has been charged with the following:
- Impaired driving causing death
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Criminal negligence causing death
- Fail to stop after an accident causing death
- Theft of motor vehicle (x2)
- Possession of stolen property over $5000
- Break and enter (residence)
After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Bell was remanded into custody. He will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Aug. 20, 2025.
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BACKGROUND
Red Deer, Alta. – On Aug. 12, 2025, at approximately 4:21 p.m., Red Deer RCMP were notified of a serious motor vehicle collision in the area of 40 Avenue and 22 Street. Upon arrival, officers determined that a stolen pickup truck, travelling at a high rate of speed, had struck an SUV.
Witnesses began rending aid to the driver of the SUV when the pickup truck driver attempted to steal vehicles from the bystanders. The suspect fled the scene in a stolen SUV, which was later located after being in a collision on 39 Street. The suspect fled on foot but was quickly located and arrested by police without further incident.
The driver of the first SUV, a 46-year-old female resident of Red Deer, was pronounced deceased. Out of respect and to provide privacy to the family and friends of the victim, their name will not be released.
The Alberta RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended, and the cause of the collision is under investigation. Speed and drugs are believed to have been contributing factors.
The suspect is in custody and awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing. An updated media release will be issued once charges have been sworn.
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