A hit-and-run near on the highway near Pine Centre Mall has police searching for a silver Mazda 3 and a young female driver.
The incident happened at about 5 p.m. Friday. According to witnesses, the Mazda drove quickly up the Highway 97 onramp from the mall parking lot, then continued into the flow of traffic without yielding to the many cars and trucks heading in the direction of Mr. PG. A collision ensued. Some vehicles were damaged as they swerved or hit the brakes to avoid the errant car cutting in.
"They have to get this girl. There was too much damage, and it's just lucky that nobody was seriously injured," said Tim Tschampa, father of two of the motorists who sustained vehicle damage. "There was a pregnant woman in one of the other vehicles that got hit. She had to be taken to the hospital for precautions."
Apparently, the young female driver looked over the scene of the crash, then sped off. The was an 'N' symbol on the suspect car indicating a new driver.
There are clues that police are now following up, but Tschampa was hopeful the young female would make it easier for everyone by simply self-reporting to the RCMP.
A tractor-trailer was driving along the highway when the incident occurred. Tschampa said some of the other vehicles involved had to take evasive action to keep from being struck by the rig from behind. It got through the scene without hitting anyone, or the damage might have been much worse.
Tschampa's vehicle was seized by ICBC and there is a strong possibility it will be a complete write-off.
"People make mistakes behind the wheel, but you have to take responsibility for the mistakes," said Tschampa. "I'm really thankful my daughters, the pregnant woman and her husband, all the people involved managed to not be hurt."
Anyone with information about this driver or the event is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS / www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca. The matter is under investigation.
