Surrey RCMP have arrested a suspect in connection with a hit-and-run Monday evening at the intersection of 152 Street and 32 Avenue.
A 53-year-old Surrey man faces a charge of dangerous driving causing bodily harm in connection with the incident, in which two women were injured shortly before 8 p.m. while jogging in a crosswalk.
The man's identity has not been released, pending a first court appearance set for May 13. Police said the arrest was made early Thursday morning at a residence not far from the crash scene, and a BMW X1 was seized as evidence.
Media attention helped police locate the suspect vehicle by triggering the memory of a person who was on scene.
Delta resident Shelley Lammers, 51, remains in stable condition at Royal Columbian Hospital, suffering from a concussion, fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, two broken vertebrae and a lacerated liver.
She was airlifted to the hospital following the incident, while less-seriously-injured running partner Nora Carlson – who suffered four facial fractures, including a broken nose and fractured cheek when the impact of the vehicle threw Lammers into her – was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Both women were wearing reflective clothing and headlamps at the time of the incident.
Carlson told Peace Arch News Thursday she was relieved by word of the arrest.
"I'm delighted with the good news," she said.
She thanked police for their efforts and said she is confident media attention to the matter also helped.
A traffic-camera video released Wednesday by police (see below) shows the collision in the crosswalk by a white crossover SUV. About 25 seconds after, the video shows a figure approaching the women on foot and leaning over them briefly, before departing rapidly a few seconds later.
That video jogged the memory of one individual who had been at the scene, police said. The witness "noted odd behaviour of one person at the scene" and remembered a licence-plate number, a police spokesperson said.
Witnesses "were instrumental in helping our officers put the pieces together and track down the alleged suspect," Cpl. Bert Paquet said in a news release issued Thursday afternoon to announce the arrest and thank those who came forward with information.
"We worked diligently to ensure that a quick arrest was made, as we are aware of the impact this incident has had on the community, and hope this will help bring some closure to the victims and their families."
Investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. Additional witnesses who have more information and have not yet spoken to the police are being asked to come forward.
Anyone with further information on the incident is asked to contact Surrey RCMP Traffic Services at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, at 1-800-222-TIPS, if requesting anonymity.
– with files from Alex Browne