A hit-and-run that killed a six-year-old and left two other children hospitalized in Surrey has resulted in one arrest.
Surrey Police Services said officers responded to reports of three pedestrians being struck by a grey pickup truck on Sunday at the intersection of 164 Street and 108 Avenue in Surrey’s Fraser Heights neighbourhood just after 4 p.m.
Upon arrival, they determined that a six-year-old girl had died on the scene and that two other children were injured.
The two other children, ages seven and 16 were taken to the hospital with “non-life threatening” injuries.
Surrey Police Service Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton remarked on the tragedy.
“Police, fire and ambulance, we go to some of the most emotionally charged incidents. These are the worst. As a parent myself, it hits home. You hear that a six-year-old girl has died, and you can’t help but think of your own children or your nieces and nephews.”
According to police, a neighbour in the area captured security video of the grey pickup truck speeding away from the scene shortly after the accident occurred.
Additional reports indicate the truck was tracked and spotted three blocks away after hitting a parked car.
“The driver of the vehicle that fled the scene was located shortly after five o’clock,” Houghton confirmed.
The driver was arrested and remains in police custody during what’s described as a potentially “complex” investigation.
Police wouldn’t publicly speculate on the precise cause of the accident but stated “alcohol may be a contributing factor in the collision.”