Two men charged in fatal pedestrian collision

Charges have been laid against two men in connection with a fatal collision that occurred in April.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., on Monday, April 22, 2019, an Acura TL car and Toyota Tacoma truck were driving east on 32 Avenue N.E., at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of 26 Street N.E., it is alleged the driver of the Acura did not stop for a red light and struck a man who was crossing the road.

While the Toyota did initially stop for the red light, neither driver remained at the scene after the collision. The 38-year-old pedestrian died from his injuries.

Around midnight that same evening, a man was taken into custody by the Chestermere RCMP in connection with the incident. Following a six-month investigation, the Calgary Police Service has now taken a second man into custody and laid charges.

Ali Aref JEHA, 19, of Calgary, is charged with dangerous driving and failing to remain stopped at a red light.

Ihab ELAMM, 20, of Chestermere, is charged with dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death.

It is believed that street racing may have been a factor in this incident. Street racing continues to be a problem in Calgary and it puts people’s lives at risk. Drivers who street race are often inexperienced and are driving on roads not designed for high speeds, where there are pedestrians, multiple vehicles and other hazards.

Any Calgarians aware of street racing activities are encouraged to report them to police so street racing-related collisions can be prevented.

Information can be reported by calling the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if there is dangerous driving in progress.

CASE # 19166037/3742