A 28-year-old Port Coquitlam man is facing three criminal charges in connection with an alleged hit-and-run involving a cyclist on the Mary Hill Bypass in July 2014.
Bruce Rickman, a Pitt Meadows resident and bus driver in his 50s, was riding home from work on the east shoulder of the bypass near Kingsway Avenue when he was hit shortly before midnight on July 30. Coquitlam RCMP traffic investigators recovered portions of a side mirror and identified the vehicle as a 2006 or 2007 Toyota Tacoma and about two weeks later the alleged driver turned himself in to police.
On Tuesday afternoon Rickman's wife and daughter were at the Coquitlam RCMP detachment for an emotional announcement that the alleged driver is now facing three charges: failing to remain at the scene of an accident; impaired driving causing bodily harm; and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
"His injuries have been severe, catastrophic and life-changing," said Twyla Rickman. "Today we feel the silence is broken around who this person is and now we can begin the journey of justice."
After the accident Rickman spent about two weeks in intensive care and continues to recover at home, his wife said, noting he was well equipped with a helmet, lights and reflectors — so much so that the family joked he was "lit up like a Christmas tree" when he was riding his bike.
Coquitlam Coun. Brent Asmundsen, a fellow Coast Mountain Bus driver who knows Rickman, said he is not expected to return to work.
Twyla Rickman expressed her gratitude to the Coquitlam RCMP officers and their "unfailing commitment and dedication to help us find the truth," as well as to victims' services staff.
"Thank you to the witnesses who came forward and helped provide answers, and to those witnesses who provided care, protection and safety to Bruce when he was left for dead on the side of the road that night, thank you so much," she said through tears. "Your selfless actions have been a comfort to us in the last 16 months."
She also thanked her husband's colleagues, who within hours of the accident had drivers throughout the Lower Mainland on the lookout for the alleged vehicle.
"The final reality of this situation, from our very personal perspective, please never leave the scene," Twyla Rickman said. "Stay and call for help."
Rickman is aware that the man who turned himself in is now facing charges and is relieved, she added.
Cpl. Jamie Chung said the case was a complex one as investigators put the pieces together and worked backwards to the event.
Sean William McAllister is due to appear in B.C. Provincial Court in Port Coquitlam on Nov. 9. Chung said he had no negative contact with the police prior to the incident.
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