Police believe north Edmonton hit-and-run of woman wearing hijab was motivated by hate
Posted July 16, 2026 12:58 pm.
Last Updated July 16, 2026 1:36 pm.
Edmonton police have charged a woman in connection with the hit-and-run of a woman wearing a hijab in an incident they are describing as hate-motivated.
The Edmonton Police Service says it happened on the evening of May 27 in a parking lot at 82 Street and 144 Avenue.
Police say the suspect confronted the woman about how she had parked her car. The suspect allegedly boxed in the woman’s car and prevented her from leaving the parking lot. Edmonton police say she also made “racist and xenophobic comments.”
Authorities allege the suspect then drove towards the woman, who was outside her vehicle, and struck her with her front bumper. Police say the suspect then fled the scene “without exchanging information, rendering aid to the victim, or reporting the collision to police.”
Police believe the victim was targeted based on her religious and cultural identity, and the incident was investigated as such.
“The EPS takes hate-motivated incidents and crimes very seriously. These events hurt not only the victim, but the vicarious trauma has an impact on entire communities,” said EPS Sgt. Amanda Ross.
“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.”
On July 9, the accused turned herself in to police. Kelly Smith, 37, was charged with assault with a weapon and criminal hit and run. She was released on a promise to appear.
Edmonton police say their hate crimes unit is also recommending the Crown consider increased sentencing due to their belief the offence could have been motivated by hate.
The allegations against Smith have not been tested in court.
