Bystanders may have saved woman's life in Calgary hit and run, police say

Calgary police say they're searching for a man involved in a hit and run that seriously injured his girlfriend.

Justin Rory Hopkins-Jones was last seen in a pickup truck leaving the city in the direction of High River. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

His girlfriend, believed to be in her 40s, is in hospital after being run over at about 9 p.m. Thursday onChaparral Boulevard in southeast Calgary.

The incident began when the womanjumped out of a moving pickup truck, saidStaff Sgt.AvrilMartin of the domestic conflict unit.

Hopkins-Jonesallegedly ran over her and attempted to pull her back inside. But onlookers got involved and stopped him.

• Spike in Calgary's domestic violence rate 'incredibly concerning,' advocate says

"In my opinion, they possibly did save her life by intervening and trying to assist her while this incident was going on," Martinsaid.

Hopkins-Jones then fled, according to police, who called in a helicopter and tried to pull him over at a traffic stop.

He was seen driving a rented 2017 silver Ford F-150 pickup with the licence plate L79 653.He isfive foot 11 with a medium build, brown hairand brown eyes.

The 28-year-old Calgarian is known to police, who have been called out to other domestic incidents involving the couple, said Martin.

Hopkins-Jones is facing charges of assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle while being pursued by a peace officer. He is also charged with seven counts of failing to comply with a court order.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Calgary man survives bear attack, hikes back to vehicle
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Charges laid in Canmore explosion that destroyed home, damaged others