Few clues in B.C. hit and run
Driver might not have known anyone was struck, police say
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 | 9:47 PM PT
CBC News
The scene of Monday's hit-and-run accident in Langley, B.C. (CBC)Police are asking for the public's help identifying the victim and the driver involved in a fatal hit and run in Langley, B.C., on Monday night.
Identification has been difficult because the victim appeared to be homeless and he carried no identification, police said. No vehicle debris was left at the scene that might help narrow down the make and model of the vehicle, they said.
A local businessman was one of the first on the scene at 200th Street and 59th Avenue after emergency vehicles arrived at about 6 p.m. PT.
Mike Estrella said he saw the victim and his overturned shopping cart lying in the street.
"I just saw his arm sticking out from underneath the tarp," said Estrella, who operates a nearby delicatessen. "It was just sad, you know. It breaks your heart."
People working at the nearby Langley Bottle Depot said they deal all day with homeless people who bring in bottles for cash. Some thought they knew the man.
"I always enjoyed talking to him because he was such a nice guy and very intelligent," Gladys Smith said.
Driver might have been unaware
Police said Tuesday it was possible in the dark and rainy conditions that the driver did not know he or she hit anyone.
"Because there's no debris, there's a good chance it could have been a large vehicle like a truck or even a bus," said Sgt. Ron Davidson of the RCMP. "And the person could already have been in the intersection [lying] on the ground and been run over."
A new homeless shelter run by the Salvation Army is set to open in Langley on Friday. The Gateway of Hope will have 55 beds.
"If they'd been indoors, maybe this would not have been an occurrence," the Salvation Army's Troy Gaglardi said of the victim.
The man was described as middle-aged and Caucasian. People who knew him or might have information about a suspect vehicle are asked to call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.
