OTA Calls on Public to Assist in Arrest & Conviction of Hit and Run Driver

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 18, 2012) - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is donating $4000 to Crime Stoppers to assist in efforts to apprehend the individual involved in the collision between a van and a tractor trailer that occurred yesterday, resulting in the death of an 11-year old and seriously injuring eight other occupants of the van.

"The truck driving community is proud of its historic reputation as Knights of the Road; our men and women are recognized as highway heroes who offer their assistance to fellow motorists across our nation's highways every day," said Brian Taylor, Chairman of the Ontario Trucking Association. "The unfortunate incident that occurred on July 17^th does not reflect our industry's proud driving heritage and commitment to safely sharing the road with the motoring public."

Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety Division's Niagara Detachment are investigating a fail to remain fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on the QEW Toronto bound, between Ontario St. and Bartlett Ave. in Beamsville, Ontario. At approximately 2:39 a.m., on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, a white Volvo tractor trailer struck a Ford Aerostar from behind then continued on without stopping. The Aerostar left the roadway, striking the steel barrier causing the vehicle to roll ending up in the right ditch. The OPP continue to look for the tractor trailer that failed to remain at the scene. The vehicle again is described as a white, Volvo tractor trailer with damage to the front right side.

OTA is asking for the public's help in locating this vehicle and the person operating it at the time of the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact PC Scott Orsan at the Niagara OPP Detachment at 905-356-1311 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The Crime Stoppers tip line is staffed by trained personnel who receive, process, and pass on tip information to investigating officers. Callers are given a code number which is used on all subsequent calls and callers do not have to identify themselves. A reward of up to $2,000 is offered to anyone providing information which leads to an arrest for a crime.