Two boys were struck by a car while crossing the street at Wood Avenue and Highland ParkRoad in Armstrong Feb. 16, 2017.
Image Credit: Google Street View
February 21, 2017 - 2:30 PM
'I JUST CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THEY LEFT… WHAT IF HE WAS CRITICALLY INJURED?'
ARMSTRONG - A reward for information is being offered by the parents of a North Okanagan boy who was struck by a car last week in a hit and run.
Gina Galbraith says her 15-year-old son was walking home on Wood Avenue last Thursday, Feb. 16, around 11:30 p.m. with his friend, also 15, when they were hit.
The boys saw a car coming on Highland Park Road, so they stopped at the intersection before crossing.
“It came to a complete stop, so they thought ‘OK, I guess we can go,’” Galbraith says.
After the boys entered the crosswalk, the car pulled out, making a lefthand turn and striking them both.
She says her son rolled up on the hood of the car and was carried roughly 12 to 15 feet before falling off and landing on his back in the roadway.
He hurt his neck, shoulder and hip and was treated in hospital. He didn’t break any bones and his mom says it’s extremely lucky the injuries weren’t worse. His friend was able to jump out of the way, with the car just grazing his leg and causing no serious injury, Galbraith says.
She’s deeply concerned by the fact the driver stopped, and then proceeded into the intersection where the boys were.
“We feel this was totally intent, either someone thinking they were funny, or someone who was intoxicated,” she says.
She’s also troubled by the fact that the driver chose not to stop after the collision.
“I just can’t believe they left and haven’t felt guilty in the days since to come forward. It just seems terrible to leave him lying there. What if he was critically injured?” she says.
While the injuries could have been worse, she says her son is in pain and unable to participate in hockey playoffs.
“It’s basically ended his season now,” she says.
She and her husband are hoping the person responsible will be held accountable, and are offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the individual.
The RCMP is investigating, and asks that anyone with knowledge of the incident, or the suspect vehicle, give them a call. The vehicle in question in described as a black Honda hatchback. Because it was dark, the boys were not able to get a description of the driver.
“I’m hoping someone feels guilty and decides to come forward,” Galbraith says.
Anyone with information about the collision, or the vehicle, is asked to call the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP at 250-546-3028 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017