Suspended driver charged with hitting child getting on school bus, then fleeing the scene: OPP

A suspended driver who was on probation has been charged in connection with a collision that sent a child to hospital with serious injuries in northern Ontario, according to police.

The victim was struck by a vehicle while getting on the school bus Thursday around 7:50 a.m. in Harley Township, located near Temiskaming Shores.

Police say the driver fled the scene but was arrested later Thursday.

Hit while crossing the road

“Investigation revealed that the child was struck while crossing the roadway to board their school bus,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Thursday afternoon.

“The school bus had its stop-arm out and flashing lights activated at the time. The driver of the involved vehicle failed to remain at the scene of the collision.”

The 37-year-old driver from Hilliard Township is charged with driving while suspended, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, dangerous driving, failing to comply with probation and driving while suspended.

The accused remains in custody, police said, and is scheduled to appear before the Haileybury Ontario Court of Justice on Friday.

Anyone with information on this case or who has dash cam footage of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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