A FortisAlberta surveyor took the stand this week to recount a harrowing attack that left him wounded and a colleague dead on a rural Alberta road.
Matthew Andres testified Tuesday that he believed he was going to die after being shot in the arm by someone who emerged from a stolen truck near Chestermere on August 6, 2024. The gunman returned to his position twice more, pointing a pistol at his head as Andres begged for his life.
The Incident
Andres was working at a rural intersection north of Chestermere when the disabled stolen truck pulled over. Thinking the driver needed assistance, Andres approached — only to be confronted by someone who pulled on a facemask and opened fire.
"The next thing that happened was I felt the shot go through my arm," Andres told prosecutor Photini Papadatou. "After I felt the shot I turned to look at the individual … they were pointing [a pistol] at my head. They said 'keys.'"
Andres directed the gunman to his work truck, then dropped to the ground, pleading for his life as the shooter stood over him.
Fighting for Survival
As the gunman moved away, Andres scrambled to his feet and ran, tearing off his red safety vest as he fled. He tripped and fell during his escape but picked himself up and made for a nearby ditch with tall grass, where he hid while searching for passing vehicles.
When cars finally approached, Andres stood in the middle of the road, desperate for help.
Minutes after the initial shooting, 45-year-old Colin Hough — a Rocky View County employee — was shot and killed at the same location.
The Trial
Elijah Strawberry and Arthur Penner are each facing charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. The trial, presiding over by Court of King's Bench Justice Shane Parker, is expected to run four weeks. Tuesday marked the second day of proceedings.
The Crown's case centres on the theory that Strawberry and Penner were occupants of the stolen truck that broke down at the intersection.
This story is based on reporting from CBC Edmonton.