Driver sought in hit-and-run on Côte St. Charles

Suspect stopped, but did not offer help to injured 20-year-old
By Frederic Serre
The 1019 Report

St. Lazare Mayor Genevieve Lachance is urging the public to help police identify the driver of a black 2023 Jeep Wrangler that struck and injured a pedestrian before fleeing the scene. The incident took place at the intersection of Cumberland and Côte St. Charles in St. Lazare at about 4:30 p.m. on January 7.
The victim, a man in his early 20s, told the Sûreté du Québec that he was walking along the bike path when he was struck from behind by a Jeep. While lying injured on the ground, the victim said he saw the male driver get out of the vehicle to inspect the damage to the right fender and mirror before getting back into the Jeep and driving away.
"It’s really incomprehensible that something like this could happen," Lachance said in a statement the day after the incident. "How could someone commit such an act and leave the person suffering, alone and in need of help? This lack of compassion and responsibility are very shocking and unacceptable."
SQ officers and paramedics responded to the scene and transported the man to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
“To the residents of St. Lazare, I encourage you all to come together at this troubling time. If you have any information about this incident, no matter how small, I invite you to contact the Sûreté du Québec to assist in their investigation,” Lachance said.
Meanwhile, a lobbyist who lives in St. Lazare, about 300 meters from where the incident took place, is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.
In an interview, Joel DeBellefeuille said he was issuing the reward through his foundation, the Joel DeBellefeuille Foundation.
“The foundation’s reward underscores the urgency of bringing the suspect to justice,” DeBellefeuille said. “The foundation hopes this incentive will encourage witnesses to come forward and help ensure accountability in this case. This story is very important.”
Anyone with details about the vehicle or the incident is urged to contact the SQ at 1-800-659-4264.