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Alleged driver in fatal hit-and-run is a Surrey RCMP hired consultant

Surrey Mounties say the accused was working for them that day re-creating a 2012 crash involving a semi truck and police officer.
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An "independent observer" from another police force had to be called in to investigate Wednesday morning's fatal hit-and-run on the Langley Bypass after police learned that the alleged driver involved is an RCMP hired consultant, currently working on a Surrey fatal crash involving one of their own.

"The initial investigation has determined that the driver is an expert civilian witness and consultant who is contracted by law enforcement and other public safety agencies throughout the region," said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Drew Grainger. "In fact, earlier that day and prior to the accident occurring, this consultant was working with the Surrey RCMP traffic section on an ongoing traffic investigation."

The consultant allegedly driving the semi involved in the fatal hit and run had been working that day on a re-creation of an accident involving a semi that killed Surrey RCMP Const. Adrian Oliver in November 2012, at the intersection of 64 Avenue and 148 Street. He was speeding through the intersection in an unmarked police car without using sirens. Vancouver Police are assisting with that continued investigation.

The accused driver was working with Surrey's traffic section just hours before the Langley Bypass crash. It isn't known if the semi he was allegedly driving at 3 a.m. was used to re-create that crash.

At 3 a.m. Wednesday, a semi bobtail was travelling eastbound in the curb lane in the 19500 block of Langley Bypass when it struck and killed a 37-year-old pedestrian. Surrey RCMP say the semi driver didn't stop to render assistance but kept driving. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene and Surrey RCMP are working with the BC Coroners Service to notify the victim's next of kin.

Police put out a description of the older model blue semi cab to the media and by mid-afternoon, Surrey RCMP had located and seized the vehicle believed to have been involved.

The driver of the vehicle was located and questioned by Surrey RCMP that same day.

Surrey RCMP continue to appeal to the public for any witnesses to come forward. "Our investigators need to establish a timeline for both the driver as well as the victim so they can piece together what actually happened," said Grainger.

Anyone with further information on this incident is asked to contact Surrey RCMP Traffic Services at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS.



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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