Mounties search for driver after 72-year-old cyclist killed in hit-and-run

RCMP are searching for the driver of a black Honda Civic after a hit-and-run in Burnaby left a cyclist dead. July 1, 2013. (CTV)

A 72-year-old cyclist is dead and Mounties are searching for a driver after a fatal hit-and-run in Burnaby.

The man was riding his bike on 13th Avenue near Wright Street in Burnaby Sunday night when he was struck by a vehicle, RCMP said.

According to witnesses, a young female driver then got out of what appeared to be a black two-door Honda Civic, looked at the struck cyclist, got back in her car and raced off.

“It was quite horrific,” said Yvette Smart. “By the time I came out she was gone. I just saw her go. I thought maybe she'd come around and park and go back and check but she didn't, she just kept going."

DJ Caston also witnessed the grisly incident, and as the driver took off, he said instinct kicked in and he gave chase.

“I ran down the street, try to catch the car to see if I could get a plate number and then they turned,” he said. He said he wasn’t able to get the car’s license plate number before it disappeared around a corner.

He called 911 and emergency crews arrived shortly after. They pronounced the cyclist dead on the scene.

Witnesses said he wasn’t wearing a helmet.

Residents of the area said the Burnaby street is a popular cycling route, but despite various traffic calming measures, speed has been an ongoing issue.

“It’s very dangerous here,” Smart said. “I’m surprised someone hasn’t been hit sooner.”

Neighbour Mitchel Bain added that some cyclists travel too fast down 13th Avenue.

“You’re coming into a corner. People can’t see you. You’re playing Russian roulette with your life,” he said. “You can just lose your life in a moment.”

Mounties said the vehicle was last seen travelling eastbound on 16th Avenue and likely sustained damage on the passenger side.

They’re asking the driver to turn themselves in.

“Come forward to any RCMP station and give us your side of the story,” Staff-Sgt. Rob Marks said. “We want to speak to them. We want them to turn themselves in, give a statement and give their side of the story."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the suspect vehicle is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7922.

With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Penny Daflos