BRIDGEVIEW — Police arrested a suspect in a fatal Surrey hit-and-run Friday afternoon but have released him without charges.
Police allege the driver of a truck involved in the hit-and-run crash that killed a homeless man in Surrey early Thursday morning is a 31-year-old Surrey man. They have not released his name.
"The driver provided his version of the event," Surrey RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr said. "Once the statement was completed the driver was allowed to return to his residence.
"Investigators have a great deal of work ahead of them prior to being ready for charge approval," Carr added.
The 55-year-old victim was found lying in the middle of the road in the 11400-block of 128th Street, just north of King George Boulevard, some time before 3:15 a.m. Thursday.
Paramedics rushed him to Royal Columbian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police suspect a semi-truck struck him from behind while he was pushing a shopping cart.
Carr said the victim was known to scavenge in bins around that area. "The victim's family has been notified, however, police respect their need for privacy and will not be releasing his name."
Police are reviewing video surveillance footage. Carr said investigators also want to speak with the driver of a black or dark purple PT Cruiser that arrived at the crash scene about 10 seconds after the victim was hit "to determine what if anything that person can say about the crash."
Police ask anyone with information to contact the Surrey RCMP's Criminal Collision Investigation Team at 604-599-0502.