Mounties are searching for the driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run incident that took the life of a 51-year-old pedestrian in the 800 block of Austin Avenue in Coquitlam Thursday night.
The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. and police said it was unclear whether the person in the vehicle was aware of what had happened. The RCMP issued a statement urging the driver to come forward and speak with investigators as soon as possible.
“Collisions at night can be very confusing” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “Right now we only have the perspective of witnesses. Until we hear from you, the driver, we won’t know your side and thus we won’t have the complete picture of what happened.”
McLaughlin confirmed that police were called shortly after the accident by individuals who stopped to help the injured man.
"This is one of the situations where people in the Tri-Cities, the vast majority really want to help, and witnesses did stop and try to help the situation."
Police were canvassing the area Friday morning looking for witnesses and any potential video surveillance of the collision.
The Coquitlam RCMP Coordinated Collision Investigation Team is currently in the early stages of the investigation and encourages anyone with any information to contact them at 604-945-1550 and ask for Cpl. Quentin Frewing. Any anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-8000-222-8477 (TIPS) or by going online to www.solvecrime.ca.
@gmckennaTC
