A picture taken at the time of the crash in October, 2024. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Hit-and-run results in $2,500 in fines

Mar 20, 2025 | 2:34 PM

While high on meth and wearing a ski mask, a young woman caused a multi-vehicle crash on one of Prince Albert’s busiest streets and then ran from the scene.

Those were the details shared during Cherise Harris’ sentencing hearing Thursday morning at provincial court. In relation to the events that occurred on Oct. 2, 2024, the 19-year-old received $2,500 in fines and one year probation.

While the case had initially been scheduled for trial, guilty pleas were instead entered to hit-and-run, refusal to provide a breath sample and breach of probation. Harris’ other charges which included impaired driving, reckless driving, and possession of stolen property under $5,000 were withdrawn.

The crash occurred at the corner of 15th St. W and Bishop McLean Cr. (Gateway Mall Entrance). Two of the vehicles were left nose-to-nose, and a third smaller car, suffering rear end damage, was observed parked in the westbound lane, facing east.

Harris was behind the wheel of the dark coloured van and ran towards the Gateway Mall but was arrested before she could reach the doors. A passenger in the van was treated at the scene for leg pain.

Travel

Canada updates U.S., China travel advisories after recent frictions

3h ago

Politics

'No Canadian dream': Meet some who want to join a 51st U.S. state

3h ago

Anniversary Celebration

PBCN Petro Canada: Celebrating 20 years of success and growth

Mar 21, 2025

There were no other injuries reported.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Crown Prosecutor Natasha Maclean noted Harris had initially provided police with a false name, and was observed as being glassy-eyed and twitchy. She was also muttering to herself.

“I don’t know what I did….I just borrowed it from my dad’s house….I was going for a nice trip to Los Angeles,” Maclean read.

When police attempted to get a breath sample, she was uncooperative and rude, and so was eventually charged with refusal.

Harris has been in custody since the incident, and during Thursday’s proceedings it was noted that due to overflow issues at Pine Grove, did spend some time at Sask Hospital in North Battleford where she received supports for her mental health related issues.

A psychologist diagnosed her as suffering from substance abuse psychosis or possibly schizophrenia.

Harris’s legal aid lawyer Estelle Hjertaas confirmed that at the time of the incident, she was going through a a “difficult time” but did not have any further information. Hjertaas also confirmed Harris had been taking her medications.

“Her attitude is very different”

“She had called me wanting to deal with this”

Upon her release from custody, Harris plans to go back to school and aspires to one day become a correctional officer as she was inspired by the ones she met during her time in custody.

When further pressed by Judge Gray what she had consumed, Harris admitted to using crystal meth, stating she had a hard time coping with her grandma’s death in 2021.

Judge Gray then asked Harris what she thought her grandma would make of her actions.

“She’d probably be upset with me,” Harris admitted. “I miss her so much.”

During the hearing, Harris spoke out of turn on multiple occasions, asking if she was getting out.

Noting the teen’s perceived lack of remorse, Gray cautioned her to be more serious about the issues at hand, and to abide by the probations conditions which include participating in assessments staying away from drugs and alcohol, or being in a place that serves them. Gray then warned Harris’ failing to do so could result in more jail time.

“This is intended to help you,” she said.

Harris, who has been in custody since last October, has until April 1, 2027 to pay off her fines.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell