Raven Bird made his second court appearance by video. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Judge says DNA evidence led to man’s arrest three years after fatal crash

Jul 30, 2025 | 4:53 PM

Forensic evidence left at two separate crime scenes, linked a man caught breaking into a garage to more serious crimes including a fatal crash that happened north of Prince Albert.

Those details were shared Wednesday afternoon when 29-year-old Raven Bird made his second appearance at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

In relation to the two vehicle crash in April, 2022 that killed 64-year-old Keith Herzog, Bird has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop after the scene of a collision causing death, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (a 2001 GMC Sierra truck).

The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 263 and Okema Beach Road. Herzog who was on his way to work at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the stolen truck fled the scene on foot.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

Keith Herzog was nearing retirement and planned to follow his passion for carpentry. (Submitted photo)

While reading out the charges, Judge Schiefner also mentioned outstanding charges from 2018 for break and entering at eight cabins in the Christopher Lake area.

Schiefner also noted when Bird was arrested on July 23, he had allegedly been caught breaking into a garage on Saskatoon’s east side.

Bird presently does not have a lawyer and was encouraged by Schiefner to contact legal aid and get some help. The case was adjourned to Aug. 22.

Herzog was a former maintenance supervisor at Sask. Pen and had 18 years experience working in corrections.

One of Herzog’s proudest accomplishments was teaching a trades related course for skid steers, in which dozens of inmates graduated. In January, 2023, Herzog was awarded a Queen’s Jubilee medal.

Members of the Herzog family were in court on Wednesday, along with close friends. Keith’s daughter Janine Herzog provided a statement for paNOW:

“We are grateful for the tireless work of law enforcement and the justice system in bringing us to this point. While this arrest brings a sense of closure, it also opens up all sorts of emotions and it does not erase the pain of losing my father. He was a kind, loving, strong man, and we will continue to honor his memory,” she said.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social