Officers were able to track a cell phone left inside, and with the assistance of patrol and EPS Air1, the vehicle was found stationary in an alley near 106 Street and 106A Avenue.
Patrol officers and an EPS canine officer with a police service dog (PSD) moved in to arrest the driver and passenger. During the arrest, the canine officer was struck by an unrelated vehicle.
The officer was treated on scene and transported to hospital with a serious, non-life-threatening injury that required surgery. He has since been released and is recovering. The PSD was taken for veterinary assessment and found to have suffered minor injuries. The PSD is predicted to make a full recovery and return to active duty in the coming weeks.
The Major Collision Investigations Section (MCIS) took over the investigation and determined the 77-year-old male driver who struck the officer was impaired.
Tomas Rodriguez, 77 years old, has been charged criminally with impaired operation causing Bodily harm, and impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or exceeding 80mg%. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 23, 2025.
“Every day, our officers face real risks while serving this city, and this incident is a reminder of how dangerous this work can be,” says Staff Sergeant Craig Mathewson of the Field Response Branch. “We’re incredibly grateful our officer will recover, and that the PSD was not seriously injured.”
The suspects in the stolen vehicle were arrested at the scene by patrol officers and now face charges.
Colby Comeau, 33, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on August 1, 2025.
Jesse McFawn, 29, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and operation of a vehicle while prohibited and is scheduled to appear in court on July 21, 2025.