Charges have been laid against a driver following a hit-and-run collision in southeast Edmonton that sent a young pedestrian to hospital with significant head injuries Tuesday evening.
Police said a 15-year-old girl was struck at around 6:30 p.m. while crossing the road at 38 Avenue and 31 Street.
She was alone and walking in the marked crosswalk, officers said.
“I think it’s disappointing that people don’t stop and take responsibility for their actions and at the least provide first aid and assistance,” Slemko said.
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On Wednesday morning, police said Cuyler Maringer, 21, had been charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
“The name of the driver is not being released at this time for mental health reasons,” police added. When asked what the mental health reasons were, police declined to comment.
In a news release issued on Wednesday, police said the victim’s condition has stabilized but she remains in hospital.
Westbound traffic on 38 Avenue was closed and eastbound traffic was reduced to one lane.
READ MORE: City says Edmonton traffic safety improving, but a long road ahead
Police found the suspect vehicle – a 2007 Dodge Charger – abandoned a short distance away.
At around 9 p.m., police confirmed they had arrested the suspect driver.
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Residents in the area say the intersection – in the middle of a 60 km/h zone – has been problematic. Mike Rees said he saw a pedestrian nearly get hit at the same intersection.
“When I saw traffic coming and I knew he was going to get hit, I laid on the horn and he looked up at the last minute – probably saved his life.”
READ MORE: Current budget only tackles a fraction of Edmonton’s problem crosswalks
Ward 12 Coun. Moe Banga said the intersection is 527th on the city’s priority list of 629 crosswalks, which means it will eventually be upgraded but it could take years.
Banga said complaints about the crosswalk could move it up the priority list.
“If they see close misses, they should be reporting that to 311,” he said.
The city plans to upgrade the top 70 crosswalks by the end of the year.
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