Cops for Cancer charity riders identified as victims of B.C. hit and run

Cyclists participating in a Cops for Cancer charity ride in B.C.

Two cyclists who were seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in northern British Columbia on Monday have been identified as riders training for the upcoming Cops for Cancer Tour de North charity ride.

The Canadian Cancer Society and the Prince George RCMP say the victims – a police officer and a community member – were cycling together to train for the event benefitting childhood cancer research when they were struck.

A statement from the local RCMP says the cyclists were transported to hospital with serious injuries after they were hit by a pickup truck near the intersection of North Ospika Boulevard and McRae Avenue in Prince George.

First responders were dispatched to the crash scene around 9 a.m.

The suspect vehicle, identified as a newer model, black Dodge Ram 1500, reportedly fled the scene but was later located by police and the man driving the truck was arrested, according to investigators.

The injured cyclists are part of a close-knit team that is “united by a shared purpose of changing the future of childhood cancer by raising funds, hope and awareness,” Cops for Cancer manager Laura Nelson said in a joint statement with the RCMP.

“This tragic incident is felt deeply by the Canadian Cancer Society and Cops for Cancer community,” she added. “Our hearts and thoughts are with them and their families during this difficult time.”

Prince George RCMP Supt. Darin Rappel says police are conducting a through investigation of the collision “while at the same time trying to absorb the information that a member of our policing family was one of those injured.”

North Ospika Boulevard remained closed to traffic for much of the day Monday while investigators gathered evidence from the crash scene.

“Investigations such as this take on a different nuance than we typically experience,” due to the involvement of an RCMP member, Rappel said in the joint statement.

Police are asking anyone with information or images related to the pickup truck’s driving behaviour before or after the collision to contact investigators.

“The vehicle travelled from where the incident occurred and turned left on McDermid Drive, then left again on Tabor Boulevard,” Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said in an earlier statement on the investigation.

“Witnesses report seeing the vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. If anyone has information that can inform this investigation further, please contact the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line at 250-561-3300.”

The Cops for Cancer Tour de North event takes place over seven days in September, with riders travelling more than 700 kilometres between Prince George and Prince Rupert.