A 73-year-old Port Coquitlam man has been charged in connection with the hit-and-run death last September of 16-year-old Annie Leung.
The PoCo teen was crossing at Mary Hill Road and Pitt River Road when she was struck on Sept. 10, 2013.
Witnesses described a black Ford F150 being driven by an older man with greying hair; a few days later, Coquitlam RCMP released video surveillance that showed a black truck pulling over to the side of the road and a man getting out and walking towards the intersection.
He was seen less than a minute later returning to his truck and driving away.
Yesterday, Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said the lengthy investigation drew on members from the traffic and major crimes sections as well as other specialized units, with officers following up on every one of the more than 100 tips that flowed in from the public.
News of the charge, which was approved Wednesday, was a "big relief" to Leung's family who have asked for privacy, Chung said.
Annie Leung, the only child of Maggie and Ricky Leung, was a student at PoCo's Riverside secondary school when she died.
Shortly after the incident, her parents made an emotional plea to the driver, and to anyone else who may have information, to come forward.
"You are somebody's father, son or husband," Maggie Leung said at the time. "We understand it's an accident and nobody wanted it to happen. We can forgive you and we believe our daughter would forgive you as well. We want to hear from you. We need to hear from you."
They also thanked a young man who called 911 and held their daughter until emergency crews arrived.
Search warrants were executed on the suspect's home and his vehicle, which was impounded, though Chung couldn't say when that happened.
Irwin Richard Franz has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm or death.
"This was a motor vehicle crash. This is a very serious charge," said Chung, noting a conviction can carry a life sentence.
Chung said Franz is not considered a flight risk and has not been remanded into custody. His first court appearance will be on Aug. 25.
