Abbotsford police still looking for hit-and-run suspects month after man killed
Posted January 16, 2023 10:33 am.
Last Updated January 16, 2023 10:38 am.
Investigators are releasing footage and asking the public for information after a man trying to help a dog off the road was hit and killed in Abbotsford last month.
It happened on Dec. 11 just after midnight. Sgt. Paul Walker with the Abbotsford Police Department says 38-year-old Marc Ellis stopped his vehicle on Lefeuvre Road north of Fraser Highway and was hit by a red Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Surveillance footage of an Abbotsford intersection showing a red Dodge Ram pickup truck. Police say a 38-year-old Abbotsford man died on Dec. 11, 2022 after he was hit by the truck while he was trying to help a dog loose on the road. (Courtesy Abbotsford Police)
The Dodge was found crashed a short distance away. Police say they have since identified the truck’s owner.
“The suspect vehicle was not reported stolen and is registered to an Abbotsford business. Investigators have attempted to speak to the owner of this business, but at this time, they are not cooperating with the police investigation,” Walker said.
Investigators note both people who were in the pickup at the time of the incident got out of the truck and left before police arrived. Video shared by the police shows two people running through the dark, away from the truck.
It’s believed these men were at a party before the crash.
“We’re appealing to anyone who was at this party, as well as the passenger in the red Dodge Ram, to come forward and speak to police. The information you may have may be vital to this investigation,” Walker added.
GoFundMe raises thousands
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign set up to help support Ellis’ family and arrangements has well surpassed its goal of $5,000.
Organizers of the fundraiser, which had amassed more than $21,000 as of Jan. 16, remembers Ellis as a “great friend and passionate member of the IGP and reptile communities.”
“Marc was generous without fault, always striving to do his best. He was always willing to help, and was there for anyone. A life taken far too soon. The dog and reptile community have suffered a huge loss with his passing,” the page reads.
Abbotsford police are still trying to find the suspects in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of Marc Ellis (pictured) on Dec. 11, 2022. (Courtesy Abbotsford Police)
It notes some of the money raised was to help bring Ellis’ mother from the U.K. to Vancouver for his celebration of life. Other funds are also set to go toward the “care and maintenance” of the 38-year-old’s dogs and other pets.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD at 604.859.5225.
