An unidentified woman is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 1 as she tried to flee from a minor shoplifting incident.
Emergency personnel were called to the scene, near King Edward Avenue in Coquitlam, just after 9:30 p.m. Upon arrival Coquitlam RCMP learned that two women who were suspects in a minor theft from the Lougheed Highway Superstore had attempted to run across Highway 1.
One woman was struck by a vehicle in the westbound fast lane while the other woman managed to cross the highway to safety. The second woman was not located by police, despite search efforts.
The injured woman is currently in hospital suffering from critical injuries. Investigators are still trying to identify her as she was found without any identification, and are hoping to speak with the second woman who may be able to share more information about the events that lead to the incident.
The driver of the vehicle involved remained on the scene and is co-operating with investigators. Several witnesses also remained on scene.
"We know this incident is traumatic for the driver and witnesses," said Cpl. Ronda Rempel of BC RCMP Traffic Services. "We are very grateful to everyone who remained on scene to assist the police with this tragic event."
Port Mann Traffic Services has taken the lead on the collision investigation with assistance from the Integrated Collison Analyst and Reconstructionist Service. Coquitlam RCMP is investigating the attempted theft in an effort to determine what occurred prior to the woman being struck on Highway 1.
Police are requesting that anyone with information regarding the incident who has not already spoken to police call Port Mann Traffic Services at 604-526-9744 and quote file number 2015-2607.
