Vancouver Police are recommending several charges against the driver of a car-share vehicle who was involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man driving a taxi in late December. Due to the current medical condition of the driver, it is expected that charges will not be approved at this time, as the driver is unable to participate in resulting court proceedings.
“This is an incredibly sad and tragic case for the affected families, the community and our investigators,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD.
“It is difficult to accept that the suspect cannot be held accountable at this time due to his medical state. However, in recommending charges, we are hoping there will be some sense of closure for the family and friends of the victim.”
Police have confirmed that the suspect, who was in Canada at the time of the crash, has returned to his home country. However, investigators will monitor his medical condition and will evaluate next steps if his condition improves to a point where he is able to participate in the court process.
The collision occurred at around 3:30 a.m. on December 29 at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Renfrew Street. It involved a car2go smart car and a taxi. The taxi driver was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died a short time later. Two passengers in the taxi were treated for non-life threatening injuries in hospital, and the suspect was transferred to hospital with serious injuries.
Vancouver Police have recommended six charges to Crown counsel related to impaired driving and the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
