A crash in downtown St. Thomas that left an 11-year-old boy dead and four other pedestrians hurt is a "terrible tragedy" that could have been prevented, according to the city's police chief.
Chief Marc Roskamp issued a statement about the alleged impaired driving collision on Wednesday.
"There are no excuses for this senseless tragedy. Impaired driving related collisions are preventable," said Roskamp. "Our message is clear when it comes to impaired driving and the significant threat it poses to public safety. You have been warned – don’t do it."
Five pedestrians were hit at the intersection of Talbot Street and Inkerman Street just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. According to St. Thomas police, a red pickup truck had been heading west on Talbot when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to jump the curb and strike the pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Aiden Curtis, 11, was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. As of Wednesday afternoon she remained in critical condition, police said. The three other pedestrians suffered non-life threatening injuries in the collision.
The pickup driver, 19-year-old Nicholas Lemke, was arrested at the scene and charged with impaired operation causing death, impaired operation causing bodily harm, and operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 80. Lemke appeared in court in relation to the charges Wednesday. His next court date has been scheduled for August 8.
Roskamp said he has reached out to the family of the child who was killed to offer condolences on behalf of the entire police service.
"Among my highest concerns is respecting the family’s privacy," said Roskamp. "I can confirm that [St. Thomas Police Service] members will continue to be a resource for the family, all witnesses and those affected as this investigation continues."
The chief went on to express concern over the rising number of impaired driving collisions in the city. He said that last year, the number crashes in which alcohol and drugs were a factor increased by 19 per cent.
"Despite daily road safety initiatives, RIDE programs, and awareness campaigns by a number of service providers, these crimes continue to occur," said Roskamp. "We will continue to arrest, charge and advocate for strong sentences for those that fail to recognize community expectations and the laws surrounding impaired driving."
