Abbotsford police preparing to recommend charges against suspect who intentionally struck teens
Posted July 3, 2024 6:53 pm.
Abbotsford police say they are now in the process recommending charges against a man who is suspected to have intentionally struck a group of teens with his car.
On February 14, the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) reported that an adult driver intentionally hit two teenagers in the Clearbook neighbourhood, and was arrested around 2:45 p.m.
Police now say they are putting together a report to submit to Crown Counsel and will await its approval of any charges.
AbbyPD Const. Art Stele tells CityNews that the report comes after considerable effort to compile evidence.
“We have spoken with numerous witnesses, obtained substantial amount of data, technical data, subject matter, expert reports, collision reconstruction reports, as well as CCTV footage showing parts of the event,” said Stele.
He says video of the event has evoked “lots of emotion” from the public, and the AbbyPD is taking into account the severity of the man’s actions, which Stele called shocking and unnacceptable.
The injured teens and one other were allegedly playing pranks in the neighbourhood before the man decided to chase them in his vehicle.
“I think overreaction is still an understatement,” said Stele.
It is not yet clear which charges will be recommended. Initially, police had suggested charging the man with assault with a weapon and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Stele says AbbyPD is aiming to submit its report by the end of the week.
