Warrants issued in fatal hit-and-run collision
The Calgary Police Service continues to seek public assistance to locate a man now wanted on Canada-wide warrants in relation to a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., police received a report of a two vehicle collision that occurred in the northbound lanes of 37 Street S.W., just south of the intersection at 130 Avenue. Witnesses reported that one of the vehicles involved, a pickup truck, was traveling south in the northbound lanes of 37 Street, prior to the collision. The three occupants of the truck fled the scene. It is believed the truck was stolen from Chestermere.
The driver of the other vehicle, Keith Arthur MORLEY, 52, sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased on scene.
The CPS Traffic Section previously charged two individuals in relation to this incident, and sought public assistance to locate a third individual, Derek Brian GROUETTE, 33.
After further investigation, Canada-wide warrants have been issued for GROUETTE. The warrants include:
- One count of hit and run causing death
- One count of dangerous driving causing death
- One count of break and enter
- Two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000
- Six counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000
- One count of operating a motor vehicle while unauthorized
- One count of operating a motor vehicle without insurance
Investigators believe GROUETTE is no longer in the Calgary area.
GROUETTE is described as Caucasian, 5’9” tall, 220 lbs., with brown eyes, brown hair and possibly a goatee. He has tattoos on his upper right arm, shoulders and both forearms, as well as pierced ears. A photo of GROUETTE is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Anyone with information about GROUETTE’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274631
The following statements and attached photographs are being released to the media on behalf of the family of the collision victim Keith Arthur MORLEY.
Statement released on behalf of Carol Stephens Morley, sister of Keith Arthur Morley.
“I have lost my little brother, best friend, confidant and a whole world of wisdom and emotional support for myself, my children and grandchildren. Keith was there for all of us always, all our lives as the "Alpha Male" of our family. Keith's many close friends and relatives are absolutely devastated with the loss of Keith as well. We all know that life goes on without him, but it will never be the same without him. What a tragic loss and we all miss him dearly, and always will. The joy and glory comes from knowing him and him being involved with all of our daily lives for all these years. Death cannot take those memories from us.
I am asking the man who fled from the collision to turn himself in. If any of his family or friends know where he is, please contact police. My family is searching for a right somewhere in this wrong. These three people have already made a huge impact on my family by taking away such a special man. Running away from the collision was heartless, but I hope that the man still on the run has thought about the life he took, and comes forward to accept responsibility.”
Statement released on behalf of Jesse Stephens, nephew of Keith Arthur Morley.
“He was always there when we needed him, even if he didn't really have the time he would make time to help us or anybody else who needed it. I believe that it was important to him to help people and that it brought him true joy to bring other people happiness. Uncle Keith has been a big part of my life and was always there to offer guidance and support through the struggles that I've had in my life. He has taught me most of the important life lessons that I have learned over the years, which has helped me to become the person that I am today. I looked up to him so much all through my childhood, which is why I asked him to be the best man at my wedding in 2012.
My wife and I have 4 small children (7,5,3, and a newborn), and we moved to Calgary from B.C. a little over a year ago, we are so thankful that we did because we were able to see him and spend time with him much more. When he would come to visit us, the kids would excitedly wait by the front door for Uncle Keith to show up, watching out the window for his car to pull up. Once he arrived he would come to the door with the same level of excitement to see them. He always took time to talk with the kids, and intently listen to their stories. We had planned to have a visit with him after work at our home the day that he was killed. Since his passing we feel a void in our lives that we cannot put into words. Our children won't wait by the front door for his car to pull up ever again, and that truly breaks our hearts. When our newest daughter was born last week, we couldn't call Uncle Keith and share our joy with him. His death has had an enormous impact on our family, and our lives will never be the same. It brings grief to our hearts to know that Uncle Keith will not be here to watch our children grow up.”
Case #16072781/3742
