Montreal-area man accused of deliberately hitting homeless woman with car can be held criminally responsible

Caroline Derome, 44, was seriously injured in Brossard after police say a driver intentionally hit her behind a dealership.

A Montreal-area man accused of deliberately driving his car into a homeless woman on May 27 can be held criminally responsible for the alleged crimes.

Luigi Fragomele, 46, was arrested at the scene of the collision behind a car dealership on Allard Street in Brossard and was later charged with five charges, including assault with a weapon, dangerous driving, and hit-and-run, after police alleged he deliberately hit Caroline Derome.

The 44-year-old woman was seriously injured in the crash, which sent her to hospital. She underwent surgery on her leg. The motive behind the collision remains unclear.

Following a court appearance on Monday, the Crown prosecutor’s office confirmed to CTV News that an evaluation of the criminal liability of the accused was completed and it was determined that section 16 of the Criminal Code does not apply in this case. The section states that no one is criminally responsible for an offence when it was committed while the accused was suffering from a mental disorder.

The criminal case against him is now expected to proceed.

There was a joint request from the Crown prosecutor and the defence for a facilitation conference, which is a process that advances the progress of a criminal proceeding by looking for a judicial solution that is appropriate for both parties.

Prior to the collision, Caroline had lost her apartment after separating from her ex-partner. Financial pressure, a lack of affordable housing, and an addiction to pain medication all played a role, her brother previously told CTV News. She was working on rebuilding her life.

No trial date has yet been scheduled for Fragomele. The case is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 16.