A five-year-old child has died following a hit-and-run collision near Cold Lake, and a Bonnyville man described by police as a prolific offender is now facing multiple serious criminal charges.

Collision Near Cold Lake

RCMP say the collision happened on January 13 at approximately 10 p.m. on the Beaver River Bridge just outside Cold Lake. Officers responded to a serious two-vehicle collision.

The driver of one vehicle fled the scene. The occupants of the other vehicle, including a 10-month-old boy, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police have confirmed a five-year-old child died as a result of the crash.

Stolen Truck Identified

During the initial investigation, officers determined that the suspect vehicle was a Ford F-350 reported stolen three days earlier in Lashburn, Saskatchewan. Police also believe the suspect stole a vehicle from a good Samaritan following the collision.

As the seriousness of the incident became clear, Alberta RCMP’s Real-Time Operations Centre coordinated a large-scale response to both investigate the collision and locate the suspect.

Extensive Police Resources Deployed

RCMP deployed numerous specialized units, including:

• Alberta Traffic Services
• Criminal Collision Investigation Team
• Collision analysts
• Cold Lake RCMP General Investigation Section
• Police Dog Services
• Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit

Police said targeted patrols were conducted throughout the night, focusing on known prolific offenders and residences associated with repeat criminal activity.

Suspect Located With a Firearm

On January 14 at approximately 1 a.m., officers located the stolen truck parked outside a residence. A shotgun was observed in plain view inside the vehicle.

Further investigation positively linked at least one individual inside the residence to the fatal collision. Police also located additional stolen property, which led to a separate, parallel investigation unrelated to the crash.

RCMP confirmed the suspect is known to police as a prolific offender, noting this case highlights the ongoing risk repeat offenders pose to communities.

Charges Laid

Ryan Mitchell Greer, 34, of Bonnyville, was arrested and charged with 11 offences, including:

• Fail to stop at accident scene causing death;
• Fail to stop at accident scene causing bodily harm (x2);
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
• Theft of a motor vehicle;
• Failure to comply with probation order;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Possession of a firearm contrary to order (x4).

Greer was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court on January 15, 2026.

Investigation Continues

RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be laid. Police emphasized that intelligence-led policing and real-time coordination were critical in locating the suspect and securing evidence.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.