Erin Haluschak
Record Staff
A 29-year-old driver was arrested for Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Failing to Remain at the Scene of an accident following an early morning hit-and-run Tuesday on Highway 19A, just north of the Merville Store.
At approximately 5:30 a.m., Comox Valley RCMP responded to the collision, where the pedestrian was found deceased on scene, explained Comox Valley RCMP Const. Rob Gardner.
Police were searching for a vehicle with heavy front-end damage.
The victim has been identified through friends and family as Marcus Haslehurst. There is a memorial Facebook page (RIP Marcus Haslehurst) set up in his honour for people to express their condolences.
Gardner explained a ferry passenger, who had heard about the incident through social media, called RCMP to report a vehicle matching the description, heading to the Lower Mainland.
The vehicle was located and a traffic stop was initiated by police, after departing the ferry.
Burnaby RCMP personal confirmed the vehicle was stopped Tuesday around noon.
“It occurred in Burnaby but not in our jurisdiction,” said Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis, of the Burnaby RCMP. "It occurred on the freeway.”
It is believed that people waiting at the Departure Bay Ferry terminal had seen a vehicle with extensive damage to the front and possibly photographed the damages, added Gardner. Comox Valley RCMP is asking the public if they have any photos, to email them with their information to ComoxValley_GeneralEnquiries@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Police are thanking the public for their assistance in the investigation, and encourage anyone who may still have information to contact them at 250-338-1321 and cite file number 2016-13815.