A multi-vehicle crash Thursday morning that sent four people to hospital was the aftermath of police chasing a robbery suspect in southwest Calgary, police told reporters.

“We were called at around 9:30 a.m. … for reports of a pharmacy robbery that occurred at Pharmasave Millrise, located at 15 Millrise Blvd. S.W.,” police said.

“It is believed the suspect assaulted a pharmacist and fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.”

HAWCS helicopter support took over for ground police for safety considerations.

About 20 minutes later, the suspect ran a red light at Southland Drive and Macleod Trail S., hitting several vehicles in the process.

Four people were taken to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition.

The driver was arrested and charges and pending, police said.

ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team) is investigating the initial contact police had with the suspect, while police are asking for witnesses to the collision to contact them at 403-266-1234 or online.