Hit-and-Run

Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist

In the early hours of Friday, August 16, just before 7:50 AM, a hit-and-run incident shocked the quiet residential streets of northern Rosemère. Officers from the Thérèse-De Blainville Intermunicipal Police Authority (RIPTB) swiftly responded to an emergency call, where a 28-year-old man had been struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision.

Upon arriving at the scene, the RIPTB officers quickly administered first aid to the injured pedestrian. Despite the traumatic event, the man remained conscious and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment. His injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening, and he has since been reported to be in stable condition.

The rapid response of the police and the collaboration of local residents played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation. Witnesses at the scene provided detailed accounts of the incident, including a description of the vehicle that fled. These critical observations allowed the police to narrow down their search and identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.

Lieutenant-Detective Michel Duchesne, who led the investigation, emphasized the importance of teamwork in resolving the case. “This was truly a team effort, and it was the collective work that made the difference in this case. Thanks to the telecommunications operators, the quick response of the patrol officers, the effective handling of the case by the investigators, and the involvement of witnesses, we were able to arrest the suspect,” he stated. Duchesne’s remarks highlight the coordinated efforts across different departments and the vital role that community members played in ensuring the suspect was brought to justice.

Following the identification of the vehicle, the police were able to track down and arrest the suspect, a 27-year-old woman from the local area, at her home. The suspect is now facing serious charges, including hit-and-run and impaired driving. According to police reports, alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident, which not only exacerbates the severity of the charges but also underscores the ongoing issue of impaired driving in the community.

To ensure a comprehensive investigation, a reconstruction officer from the Sûreté du Québec was dispatched to the scene. The officer conducted a thorough analysis of the site, gathering evidence and reconstructing the events leading up to the collision. This step is crucial in piecing together the exact sequence of events and will provide essential information for the legal proceedings that are likely to follow.

The victim, despite the traumatic experience, is currently in stable condition, and medical professionals do not fear for his life.

The RIPTB took the opportunity to remind the public of the seriousness of impaired driving. “Human life is at the core of our actions, and impaired driving is a serious crime that poses a significant threat to public safety,” the police stated. They also reiterated the legal responsibility of drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene and provide assistance to those in need. Fleeing the scene of an accident is not only illegal but also morally reprehensible, as it leaves victims without the help they might desperately need.