Edmonton police charge woman in hate-motivated hit-and-run of Muslim woman
Kelly Smith, 37, was charged after allegedly striking a woman wearing a hijab in a north-side parking lot on May 27, police say.
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Edmonton police have charged a woman in connection with a hit-and-run that officers are investigating as a hate-motivated crime targeting a Muslim woman.
Kelly Smith, 37, turned herself in on July 9, more than a month after the alleged assault. She was charged with assault with a weapon and criminal hit and run, and released on a promise to appear. Police are recommending the Crown consider increased sentencing due to the suspected hate motivation.
The incident happened on the evening of May 27 in a parking lot at 82 Street and 144 Avenue. According to police, the woman wearing a hijab told officers that Smith confronted her about how she had parked her car, then boxed in her vehicle to prevent her from leaving. Smith made "racist and xenophobic comments" during the exchange, police said.
While the victim was outside her vehicle, Smith allegedly drove toward her and struck her with the front bumper, then fled without exchanging information, offering aid, or reporting the collision. Police believe the victim was targeted based on her religious and cultural identity.
"These events hurt not only the victim, but the vicarious trauma has an impact on entire communities," Edmonton Police Sgt. Amanda Ross said in a statement. "This incident caused fear and concern within the Muslim community in Edmonton and the surrounding area, and police want to assure the community that this report was thoroughly investigated as a hate-motivated crime."
The allegations against Smith have not been tested in court.
The facts
Who was charged in the Edmonton hit-and-run?
Kelly Smith, 37, was charged with assault with a weapon and criminal hit and run.
When did the incident occur?
The hit-and-run happened on May 27, 2026, in a parking lot at 82 Street and 144 Avenue in Edmonton.
When did Kelly Smith turn herself in?
Kelly Smith turned herself in on July 9, 2026, more than a month after the alleged assault.
Why is police recommending increased sentencing?
Edmonton police are recommending the Crown consider increased sentencing due to suspected hate motivation based on the victim's religious and cultural identity.
