A 40-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, after a transport truck he was driving crashed into an apartment building on Union Street in the northwest part of Belleville, Ont., on Saturday morning.
At around 11:30 a.m., Belleville police received word that a transport truck had crashed into the structure, and emergency crews were called to the scene.
Karly O’Connor was on her patio on the third floor with her two-year-old daughter when the transport truck rammed into the side of the building.
“I saw him fly around the corner and come straight for a lady sitting her van, and I thought he was going to brake, but he never did,” said O’Connor.
Police say charges for this case have been upgraded following further investigation. The unidentified man is now being charged with two counts of attempted murder, impaired driving by drugs, breach of recognizance and two counts of uttering threats.
O’Connor and several other witnesses tell Global News that the man struck the van and continued into the building. Once he came to a halt, each witness said, he then proceeded to light a cigarette and sit there while police arrived.
“He just sat there in the truck smoking,” said O’Connor.
The male driver of the transport truck was arrested at the scene and had been initially charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and assault with a weapon.
As a result of the crash, the building was evacuated because of the possible structural damage and gas leak, and one woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to police.
The name of the accused is not being released at this time to protect the identity of the victims. The perpetrator was remanded into custody on July 21 and will in custody until his hearing on July 25.
As for O’Connor, she says her landlords are trying to find her a place to stay while the damage is repaired, but until then, she says, she doesn’t know where to turn.
“All of my friends and family have full houses, and I don’t want to be a burden so in my town, my best bet is to pitch a tent,” O’Connor said.
Police say the investigation is currently ongoing.
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