(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Fleeing suspect receives 18-month jail sentence, and two-year driving prohibition

Mar 1, 2023 | 12:00 PM

A woman who fled from Prince Albert police in broad daylight and ignored a number of traffic lights while doing so, has received an 18-month jail sentence.

Brittany Elderkin appeared in person Wednesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Following her release from custody, the aspiring teacher, who does have nearly nine months of remand credit, will be on probation for a period of 12 months and can’t drive for two years. She is also prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms for a period of 10 years.

Back in January, Elderkin entered guilty pleas to dangerous driving, flight from police, and possession of ammunition while prohibited from doing so.

It had to do with an incident that happened in Prince Albert on the afternoon of March 20, 2022 when police were called to the 200 block of 15th St. W. The person who called reported a vehicle stolen by two people with a gun.

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The pair tried to flee, and at one point crashed into the side of a business along Sixth Ave. E. After a switch in drivers, the vehicle then sped off westbound, but not before hitting a police vehicle that had pulled into the alley to block them.

Crown prosecutor Kristen Hubbard explained a westbound pursuit then took place and Elderkin, who was now behind the wheel, stayed within the speed limit, but ignored a number of traffic signs and lights.

The pursuit came to an end at Sixth Ave. W. and 28th Street. Elderkin attempted to flee on foot but was arrested soon after.

Fortunately no injuries resulted from the chase.

Elderkin’s legal aid lawyer was seeking a sentence of 10 months in jail and nine months probation.

Prior history

The incident happened almost 13 months after Elderkin received an eight-month sentence for a separate driving related matter, which worked out at the time to time served.

Following a drive-by shooting in Prince Albert’s West Flat, a Ford Focus driven by Elderkin, was pursued by police through the city and then onto Highway 11 toward Saskatoon.

Engaging speeds of around 180 to 200 km/h, Elderkin at one point drove southbound in the northbound lane of traffic.

With the use of speed sticks, police were able to bring the vehicle to a stop near Duck Lake. Because there was knowledge of possible weapons inside the vehicle, a canine officer was released and helped assist with the arrest of Elderkin, biting her once. The other two passengers were also arrested and there were no guns found.

As part of last month’s sentencing hearing, Elderkin’s lawyer Ian Goldberg explained the reason Elderkin fled from police in March 2022, was because she was still traumatized by her last encounter with police and to this day still has a scar on her shoulder.

Also included with Elderkin’s record are some gun-related charges, having to do with a traffic stop in Saskatoon on July 17, 2020, while she was out on a release order.

Police conducted a traffic stop and found a sawed off rifle inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee that had earlier been reported stolen out of Prince Albert.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell