Male cyclist, 39, killed in Brampton hit-and-run: police

Peel Regional Police say a cyclist is dead following a hit-and-run in Brampton.

The collision happened just after 6 a.m. Wednesday at Summerlea Road and Walker Drive near Torbram Road and Steeles Avenue East.

The victim, identified by investigators as 39-year-old Paul De Pledge, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Brampton resident had been on his way to work at the time, said Const. Akhil Mooken.

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Police believe the victim was struck by a stolen trailer that became separated from the vehicle that was towing it.

The trailer was taken from a business in the area shortly before the collision, and it may not have been properly secured during the theft, he said.

The vehicle, described as as a white Nissan NV Cargo van, was captured in security camera images released by police on Wednesday afternoon.

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“It is believed there are some markings on the driver’s side rear panel as well as on the front of the vehicle,” Mooken said.

Police said a resident reported a vehicle matching the description police issued on Jasper Crescent, near Bramalea Road and North Park Drive, after 4 p.m. As of Wednesday evening, officers were in the process of seizing the vehicle for a forensics examination.

Mooken said after reviewing surveillance footage obtained from the surrounding area, investigators believe the driver is “aware of what took place.”

He said police also believe the cyclist was dragged by the vehicle.

Police are encouraging the driver to speak to a lawyer and turn him or herself in.

“It is just a matter of time before we identify the person responsible,” he said.

— With files from Kerri Breen and Caryn Lieberman