Hit-and-run drivers need to surrender, police say
Cyclist killed, pedestrian seriously injured in two recent crashes
Durham police are continuing to investigate two recent hitand-run incidents that left one woman dead and another in hospital with serious injuries.
And as work on both cases continue, police are urging the drivers involved to do the right thing and surrender to police.
“Seek the advice of a lawyer, and turn yourself in,” Const. George Tudos advised.
On Nov. 22, a 36-year-old cyclist was struck and killed as she rode on Stevenson Road near Laval Drive. The cyclist, later identified as Christye “Pink” Tingey, lay on the pavement for some time after being struck around 4 a.m. on that Friday morning.
“Drivers were driving around her to avoid her and then proceeding to their destination until two citizens stopped to render assistance,” Tudos said at the time.
Police have few leads in the case, but await results of testing on evidence, including crash debris gathered at the scene. It is hoped that work being done at the Centre of Forensic Sciences will provide information about the type of vehicle involved in the collision.
Cyclists held a memorial ride on Nov. 30 for Tingey, gathering at the GO station in Oshawa and then riding to the scene of the collision. Participants left a white “ghost” bike at the scene to commemorate Tingey and her death.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call police at 905-579-1520, ext. 5217.
On Nov. 26, a woman suffered serious injuries after being struck and thrown by a vehicle while crossing Taunton
Road at Gillett Drive in Ajax at about 7:40 p.m. The motorist involved fled the scene, police said.
Tudos said Monday that the pedestrian is expected to make a full recovery. Investigators have determined the car involved is likely a 2006 to 2012 Honda.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-5791520, ext. 2128.
These and other high profile hit-and-run incidents of late are a troubling reminder that drivers sometimes make the choice to flee collision scenes, although they are required by law to remain, Tudos said.
“It’s sad that that’s the option they choose,” he said. “Sometimes it’s for the smallest reason, but they make it far worse by taking off.”
Anyone with information can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.