FREDERIC SERRE
The 1019 Report

A Hudson family finally got some good news last week when a 54-year-old Ontario man turned himself in to police and was charged in connection with the May 24 hit-and-run crash in Rigaud that severely injured two cyclists – one of whom emerged from a coma last Wednesday, the same day that the suspect was officially charged.

Brian Poirier, of Vankleek Hill, who surrendered to police three days after the incident, faces a count of dangerous driving causing injuries and one of leaving the scene of an accident. He is being held in custody after being deemed a flight risk, according to the Sûreté du Québec. Poirier was charged last Wednesday after appearing by video conferencing before a Quebec Court judge at the Valleyfield courthouse.

The incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on May 24 on Haut-de-la-Chute Road near St. Thomas Road as Mario Da Rocha, 61, and Julie Gagnon, 58, were participating in a local 150-kilometre fundraising cycling event. A black GMC Terrain pickup truck slammed into the two cyclists, just as they were reaching the finish line, sending them into the ditch, before driving away. Witnesses immediately stopped to render aid to the couple, who were sent to hospital with severe injuries.

“First and foremost, they are alive. My mom has been discharged from the hospital and my dad is in very serious condition, but he’s out of the coma and expected to live,” said Robert Da Rocha, the couple’s son.

The SQ teamed up with the Ontario Provincial Police to locate Poirier’s vehicle at his residence in Vankleek Hill, which was immediately impounded.