A pair of cyclists seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in Prince George on Monday were members of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North team.
The cyclists were rushed to hospital after being hit while riding near the intersection of North Ospika Boulevard and McRae Avenue around 9 am.
According to police, the suspect fled the scene in his newer-model, black Dodge Ram 1500, but was later arrested by officers.
In an update shared this morning, the Canadian Cancer Society and Prince George RCMP confirmed that the victims were Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders who were out for a training ride.
“We can confirm that one of the riders was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and the other was a community rider,” noted Supt. Darin Rappel.
Rappel says Monday’s incident impacted RCMP officers “on a number of levels,” as they work to complete a fulsome investigation while grappling with the fact that a member of their policing family was injured.
“Investigations such as this take on a different nuance than we typically experience,” he explained.
Laura Nelson, manager of Cops for Cancer, says the “tragic incident” is felt deeply by the Canadian Cancer Society and Cops for Cancer community.
“Since beginning their training in May, our riders have formed a close-knit team, united by a shared purpose of changing the future of childhood cancer by raising funds, hope and awareness,” she said.
“The two riders injured are not only valued teammates – they are community leaders and role models dedicated to making a difference.”
Nelson added: “Our hearts and thoughts are with them and their families during this difficult time.”
The RCMP blocked off the area where the cyclists were hit for several hours on Monday and is appealing to the public for assistance with the investigation.
“Police officers are looking for anyone with video surveillance, dash camera footage or cell phone video that shows the vehicle’s driving behaviour before and after the collision,” urged Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
“The vehicle traveled from where the incident occurred and turned left on McDermid Drive, then left again on Tabor Boulevard. Witnesses report seeing the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.”
Anyone with information that could aid investigators in this matter is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP detachment at 250-561-3300.
