Investigators have released a surveillance camera image of a vehicle suspected of fatally striking a 61-year-old man in Scarborough on Wednesday morning.
Police said shortly before 7:15 a.m., the 61-year-old was crossing the street at a crosswalk in the area of St. Clair Avenue East and Jeanette Street, near Midland Avenue, when he was hit by a black Chrysler minivan travelling eastbound.
The minivan took off following the collision, police said.
The victim was taken to a local hospital in critical condition but later died of his injuries.
Police have not yet released the name of the victim, but a neighbour told CTV News Toronto that the he was a retired contractor.
“He’s one of those guys you go to, would do anything for you,” Cam Roberts said. “He worked on my deck for a while. Awesome guy. One of those guys you’re sorry to see go.”
Moore said that he believes the driver would have been aware of the collision due to the substantial damage the vehicle sustained.
In particular, police the vehicle should have “new damage” on its passenger side as its mirror was found at the crash scene.
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say absolutely, there is no doubt about it that given the fact they hit a pedestrian, an adult male pedestrian, causing significant damage and debris at the scene. Yes, that person should know better," Moore said.
He added that police are speaking with witnesses and have reviewed video surveillance footage in the area to assist in the investigation.
Moore said police are urging the driver of the vehicle to turn themselves in.
"A serious collision has occurred. Get yourself a lawyer, do the right thing," he said. "Come forward to the investigators of traffic services."
St. Clair Avenue was closed from Chine Drive to Midland Avenue for a police investigation, but has since reopened.
