Witnesses have helped police narrow down the search for a suspect and a vehicle wanted in connection with a fatal gas-and-dash death in Mississauga last month.
A gas station employee was fatally injured after trying to stop a driver allegedly stealing gas from a Petro Canada station at 1405 Southdown Rd. on May 19.
Peel Regional Police are now on the hunt for a beige or gold Nissan Altima built between 2002 and 2006 in connection with the death of 62-year-old Hashem Atifeh Rad.
Investigators described the driver of the vehicle as a black male between 20 and 30 years old, police said at a press conference on Wednesday.
There are over 2,000 vehicles in Ontario that match the above description, said Insp. Robert Orr.
Officials have already started interviewing owners of those vehicles, Orr added.
"If you think you may be the driver, we ask you to retain legal counsel and contact investigators," he said. "We will find you."
Police said witnesses spotted the suspect covering his licence plates before the incident.
The suspect pulled into the Petro Canada station, pumped approximately $70 worth of gas into his vehicle and tried to drive away. In the process, the car struck Rad, who had run out of his kiosk to stop the vehicle.
Rad was taken hospital where he later died.
Forensic experts are still trying to examine the gas station's surveillance footage.
Ontario politicians mull "pay-then-pump" law
The Mississauga gas-and-dash death has prompted politicians to consider a "pay first" policy when it comes to pumping gas.
When the crime was first reported last month, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced his government would seek advice from police, consumer groups and businesses on a pay-then-pump law.
Other provinces, such as Alberta, have considered implementing similar legislation.
Pre-payment at the pumps is already compulsory in British Columbia. The law was put in place after a gas station attendant was dragged to his death after trying to stop a driver from fleeing with $12 worth of unpaid gas. The legislation — dubbed "Grant's Law" — is named after the victim, Grant Depatie.
Pre-payment is also common at many gas stations in the United States.
Anyone with information in the Mississauga case is encouraged to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3710 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from the Canadian Press
