By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Lethbridge woman gets over two years for November crime spree

Jan 10, 2017 | 11:12 AM

LETHBRIDGE – A 22-year old Lethbridge woman is heading to prison after admitting to a November crime spree, along with numerous other charges.

Alyssa Chantel Krushel pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of vehicles that were left running outside Lethbridge businesses on November 15 and 16, 2016. In the second incident, a Lethbridge Police Service officer located the stolen SUV and tried to pull it over, however Krushel accelerated to 70-km/h in a residential neighbourhood and the officer ended the pursuit over concerns for public safety.

Police located Krushel on November 22, and followed her to a south side restaurant. When she parked, an officer pulled in behind her car in an unmarked cruiser. He approached the driver’s side door, showed his badge and informed her that she was under arrest through her partially opened window. When he tried opening the door, Krushel put the car in reverse and backed-up, striking the officer with the side mirror and then hitting his cruiser. From there, Krushel drove over the sidewalk and into the path of another police cruiser, which hit her car, then out onto Mayor Magrath Drive where she caused a three-vehicle collision that ended the chase. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

A search of the vehicle – which had also been stolen – turned up stolen items from a salon, drugs and numerous pieces of identification in other people’s names.

Crown prosecutor, Vaughan Hartigan, explained to the court that immediately after her arrest, Krushel admitted everything to police and had wanted to enter guilty pleas very early in the process. He also touched on Krushel’s guilty pleas to a number of crimes dating back to last summer – including multiple cheque cashing frauds – saying, “They were fueled by a very serious drug problem.”

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Defence lawyer, Scott Hadford echoed that statement, saying Krushel has been struggling with addiction issues and hopes to get help while in custody.

When asked if she had anything to say, Krushel told the court, “I just want to apologize to anyone in the public who may have been harmed.”

The Crown and defence presented a joint-submission – which was accepted by the judge – of 30-months in prison, followed by a two year driving ban that will go into effect after Krushel’s release. She was also given credit for two months already spent in pre-trial custody, leaving 28-months on the sentence.