Police continue to wait for the man believed to be the cause of a fatal highway crash to turn himself in, after escaping from the scene Saturday morning. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

WAITING GAME

Island RCMP still await suspect in fatal Oyster Bay crash to turn himself in

Sep 1, 2020 | 4:37 PM

UPDATE — Police have arrested the man they believe to be responsible for the crash. More information is available here: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2020/09/02/suspect-in-fatal-highway-crash-arrested-on-unrelated-matters/

EARLIER — LADYSMITH — More than 24 hours have passed since a man believed to have caused a fatal highway crash over the weekend said he would turn himself in.

As of Tuesday afternoon, RCMP told NanaimoNewsNOW the man had not done so and officers continued to appeal to the man to surrender at any RCMP detachment.

The man in his 30’s is accused of being behind behind the wheel of a black pickup truck which crossed the centre median on Hwy. 1 north of Ladysmith and struck an SUV head on.

The crash killed a Ladysmith woman while the man escaped the scene in a stolen vehicle after briefly speaking with police.

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“This individual, although he may have had some contact with a police officer, he wasn’t under arrest,” Cpl. Mike Halskov said. “At some point or another, the individual saw an opportunity to make his escape and did so.”

The man is believed to be somewhere on lower Vancouver Island, but does have connections in the Lower Mainland. Police also said they believe he has told others about his involvement in the crash.

The car he fled the scene in was later found between Ladysmith and Duncan.

Halskov added the immediate aftermath of a crash scene is chaotic for officers as they ascertain what happened.

“Not everybody’s role is known at that point, we’re still trying to deal with victims, identify witnesses and find out who was driving what. There was a lot going on.”

Police have not yet named their suspect, but remain confident they have the right person. RCMP typically do not release the names or pictures of suspects until charges are officially laid.

Halskov said once crown counsel determines there is enough evidence to support a charge, an arrest warrant can be issued and the suspects name and photo can be made public.

A GoFundMe campaign was setup by a relative of the mother of two who passed away. As of Tuesday afternoon it had raised over $85,000 towards education and other needs for her family.

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