2 Abbotsford teens struck by car allegedly playing pranks: police

The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) says an adult driver intentionally struck two teenagers with his car on Wednesday afternoon.

Const. Art Stele tells The Leader Spirit it happened around 2:44 p.m. on Carlsrue Avenue in the city’s Clearbrook neighbourhood. The two teenagers were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

“We are looking to recommend charges on the driver in a package that we will send to crown counsel for approval,” Stele said Thursday.

Stele says that there were three teens involved, but only two were struck by the vehicle. AbbyPD did hear the teens were potentially playing pranks in the neighbourhood, such as ‘nicky nicky nine doors.’

“We can’t confirm at this point if that is factual or exactly what the youths were doing prior, but we are taking all of that into consideration,” Stele said.

Regardless of whether the teens were playing pranks, Stele explains, it wouldn’t impact the investigation.

“The focus from us from the onset, is an adult decided to get in their vehicle and use it as a weapon, totally disregarding the safety and lives of these three youths, as well as putting everyone in the area at risk,” he said.

“We’re very lucky that the injuries are only minor,” Stele added. “Typically when a vehicle is used in this manner, we see this end fatally.”

“The decisions this adult driver made are unacceptable. Even if it comes to light the teens were just playing pranks, to react in a manner — to take your vehicle and think ‘I’m going to drive over these kids,’ presumably — is something that we don’t tolerate.”

Stele says anyone with further information or dashcam footage is being asked to contact the Abby PD at 604-859-5225.