Man charged after Montreal hit-and-run left two dead on New Year’s Day
Posted January 2, 2024 9:08 am.
Last Updated January 2, 2024 9:30 am.
The driver who fatally struck two pedestrians Monday in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough was charged with several counts related to dangerous driving.
The 23-year-old man appeared in court Monday afternoon. He’s been charged with dangerous driving causing death, fleeing the scene of a deadly accident and impaired driving causing death, among other charges.
Police spokeswoman Const. Caroline Chevrefils said witnesses told police the driver was travelling at high speed when he struck the two pedestrians shortly after 1 a.m. Monday.
Police said the suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle, but travelled only a few blocks before getting out and continuing his flight on foot.
Chevrefils said he was then tracked down by a police dog.
She said the 23-year-old driver was arrested and taken to hospital.
Police spokesman Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant said later Monday morning that a blood test was requested at the hospital to determine if the driver had been using drugs or alcohol.
“Speed was one of the factors, but we’ll see if alcohol were drugs were involved,” he said.
Brabant identified the two pedestrians as men aged 30 and 31, both were declared dead on the scene.
—With files from The Canadian Press, first published in French and translated by CityNews
