A man in his 80s has been arrested for allegedly hitting a woman with his truck then fleeing the scene on Thursday morning.
The Port Alberni RCMP say they were called to the intersection of Johnston Road and Adelaide Street for a report of a pedestrian being hit by a car.
When officers arrived, paramedics and firefighters were already at the scene tending to a woman in her 60s who had suffered serious injuries.
Mounties say bystanders helped the victim and witnessed the vehicle speed away from the crash without checking on the woman.
“The actions of this driver are gravely concerning,” said Port Alberni RCMP Const. Richard Johns in a release Thursday.
On Thursday afternoon, Mounties asked the public to keep an eye out for the vehicle, an early 2000s Chevrolet pickup truck.
Shortly after police issued the release, Mounties say a member of the public reported seeing a similar vehicle later Thursday.
Officers went to the location and confirmed that the vehicle was the same one that was believed to be involved in the crash.
Mounties spoke with the registered owner of the truck, a man in his 80s, and arrested him for failing to remain at the scene of a crash, as well as dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
Police also obtained a search warrant and seized the truck, which is being held for a forensic examination.
The man was later released and has a court date scheduled for early 2024, according to RCMP.
“We would like to thank the public for their vigilance and quick response to our request for assistance,” said Johns in a release Friday.
“Working together has allowed our investigation to come to a quick conclusion.”
Adam Chan
