Charges laid after 2 teens were struck by car in Abbotsford for alleged pranks

Charges have now been laid in relation to an incident in Abbotsford where three teens were chased down by a driver after allegedly playing pranks — such as “nicky nicky nine doors” — in the neighbourhood.

According to court records, 85-year-old Michael Brian Gerty has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and three counts of assault with a weapon.

The incident was caught on camera back in February.

At the time, Abbotsford Police said two of the teens were struck, with the car just barely missing the third teen.

Const. Art Stele told CityNews it happened around 2:44 p.m. on Feb. 14 on Carlsrue Avenue in the city’s Clearbrook neighbourhood. The two teenagers were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

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Regardless of whether the teens were playing pranks, Stele said 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 in February.

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

Gerty is currently not in police custody and there’s no court date set.

With files from Cole Schisler.