Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK

A year following the tragic hit and run that claimed the lives of three Kamloops residents, police have arrested the driver who now faces multiple charges.

Reid McKnight, 31, of Kamloops was arrested Sept. 25 as a result of an investigation into the November 2019 collision, according to an RCMP release.

McKnight is charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident where a death occurred, careless driving causing death and careless storage of firearms. 

READ MORE: Police investigate deadly crash as Kamloops drivers weigh in on possible factors

At around 1:40 a.m. Nov. 3, 2019, Kamloops RCMP responded to a vehicle collision on 1 Avenue and Battle Street. A 2008 red Dodge Charger with four male passengers was driving southbound on 1 Avenue, and had the right of way as it passed through the Battle Street intersection. A blue 2019 Ford Ranger was driving fast westbound on Battle and failed to stop at a stop sign, entering the intersection and striking the Dodge Charger causing a major collision.

Three of the passengers, aged 22, 27 and 30, died from injuries sustained in the crash. The fourth male suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

READ MORE: TRU international students victims in fatal Kamloops hit and run

The driver of the Ford immediately fled the scene without calling emergency services or RCMP.

"Our investigation revealed the four men in the Charger were international students and alumni from Thompson Rivers University," Sgt. Simon Pillay said in an RCMP release. "They had spent the evening in downtown Kamloops and were responsibly using a designated driver to get themselves home safely. At the time of the collision, these men were doing exactly what they should have been doing and in no way contributed to the collision."

At about 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2019 the registered owner of the Ford Ranger, McKnight, was arrested but later release as the investigation continued. 

On Nov. 4, 2019 investigators executed a search warrant at McKnight's residence and seized evidence and firearms unrelated to the collision. 

Digital and biological evidence from the collision scene was compiled, analysed and sent to the B.C. Prosecution Service for charge assessment, resulting in McKnight's second arrest. 

Pillay said it is not uncommon for police to identify a suspect early in an investigation but require additional time to investigate and analyse evidence. 

He added that RCMP turned to the public for help several times in this case to find witnesses. 

"As usual, the citizens of Kamloops answered these calls and several people came forward with very important information," he said. "The RCMP would specifically like to thank those who rushed to the aid of these men, many jumping out of bed and running into the street to render assistance."

McKnight will appear in court on a date yet to be determined.

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