The man believed to be behind the wheel of a car involved in a collision that claimed the life of a 73-year-old woman will appear in court next week.
Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on December 10th, 2014, the elderly pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle as she was crossing Main Street near Cordova. The driver took off.
Pleas from police to the driver to do the right thing and come forward were unanswered. Investigators used witness information, video surveillance and forensic evidence to narrow the search for the vehicle and the person who was behind the wheel.
The car involved in the fatal hit-and-run was found by police on March 3rd, 2015, in Coquitlam. It was seized for examination and the investigation continued to move forward.
In September of last year, investigators apprehended the alleged driver. He was released pending further investigation.
Sixty-one-year-old Stephen John Elliott has now been charged with failing to remain at the scene of a collision causing death, following a one-year investigation by police.
“Making a choice to run from a crash only makes the situation worse for the driver,” says Constable Brian Montague. “Evidence is always left behind, and is taken away from every crime scene. It may take time, but police never give up trying to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.”
Elliott is scheduled to appear in Vancouver Provincial Court on April 4th.
