Halton Regional Police say an Oakville man has been charged with impaired and dangerous driving after a 51-year-old woman and her dog were fatally struck during a collision in Oakville Thursday afternoon.
According to a statement issued by police early Friday, emergency crews were called to the area of Lakeshore Road East and Burgundy Drive, east of Trafalgar Road, just before 2:15 p.m. with reports a pedestrian was hit and “badly injured.”
Police said a vehicle was travelling eastbound on Lakeshore Road East when it went off the road on the south side of the street.
“The vehicle continued to travel eastbound, off the roadway, where it struck the female pedestrian and her dog, who were walking along a path,” the statement said.
Officers said the vehicle went on to hit a decorative stone post, forcing it back onto the road.
A red car at the scene could be seen with extensive damage to the front. It appeared the front-right tire came off the car.
Police said a 58-year-old suspect was assessed by paramedics before he was arrested. He was charged with impaired operation of a vehicle causing death and dangerous driving causing death.
A spokesperson told Global News the accused was released from custody and is due to appear in a Milton court on Jan. 12.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, the victim was identified by family members as Louise Whiten. She was described as a loving wife and mother of two teen boys who had a private speech pathology practice in Mississauga for more than two decades.
The statement said Whiten and her family moved into a “dream home” in order for their dog to have “a nice yard and walking trails.”
“Louise loved children, animals and was the heart and soul of our family. We are heartbroken and devasted as we grieve, and we ask for privacy at this time,” the statement said while thanking emergency crews for their efforts.
“We also appreciate the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and the community.”
Meanwhile, anyone in the area with dashcam or surveillance video, or witnesses who didn’t speak with officers, was asked to call police at 905-825-4747 ext. 5065.