Trial set for Feb. 2027 in Red Deer dealership carjacking case
Nathaniel Spidell, 33, faces robbery and weapons charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle during a test drive and fleeing at speeds up to 165 km/h.
A trial date has been set for a Red Deer man accused of stealing a vehicle from a local car dealership during a test drive. Nathaniel Spidell, 33, is scheduled to appear in Red Deer Court of Justice on Feb. 5, 2027, facing charges including robbery using a firearm or imitation firearm, possession of identity documents, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The alleged incident took place July 21, 2026. RCMP say they received a 911 call at 11:26 a.m. reporting a robbery involving a vehicle during a test drive at a Red Deer dealership. Police say a man displayed a firearm to a dealership employee near the end of the test drive and ordered them out of the vehicle before stealing it and fleeing at high speed.
Multiple RCMP resources were deployed in response, including the Real Time Operation Centre, Red Deer's Crime Reduction Team, Drone as First Responder unit, Police Dog Services, Traffic Services, and officers from Ponoka and Maskwacis detachments. Spidell was allegedly driving the stolen vehicle at speeds up to 165 km/h before he was arrested. The vehicle was recovered and no injuries were reported.
Spidell also faces additional charges under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act. Following a judicial interim release hearing, he was remanded into custody.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.