Two Lantzville residents and their dogs were left with serious injuries after being hit by a black SUV at the beginning on March. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

DANGEROUS DRIVING

Charges laid after couple and dogs hit from behind along Lantzville road

Dec 22, 2022 | 2:44 PM

NANAIMO — A 34-year-old Lantzville man has been charged in relation to a hit-and-run collision in March.

Joel Francisco Salazar faces charges of failing to stop after an accident and failing to offer assistance, as well as dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm in relation to the incident.

On March 4 around 3:20 p.m., a couple identified only as Geoff and June, and their two dogs were walking on Lorenzen Lane, off the end of Superior Rd. when they were hit by a black SUV.

Investigators learned from the couple the vehicle came up from behind and actually crossed over into the oncoming lane lane and hit June from behind, sending all of them into the ditch.

The vehicle took off, but not before Geoff was able to get a partial plate number and description of the vehicle.

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“The investigation was complicated and time consuming; however; investigators from the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit were tenacious and able to identify the alleged driver and vehicle involved”, Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP said.

June sustained significant, but non-life-threatening injuries while Geoff was left bruised by the incident.

One of their dogs required surgery to fix an injured leg while the other was left with minor injuries.

Police seized a vehicle believed linked to the incident in June, but charges were not laid at the time.

Salazar has been served with a summons and is expected to make his first court appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court on January 31, 2023.

He has no prior criminal record in B.C.

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