Peel Regional Police say a female cyclist has died after she was struck by a vehicle in Mississauga, Ont., that fled from police early Wednesday.
Emergency crews were called to Airport Road near Thamesgate Drive, just south of Steeles Avenue, at around 4:30 a.m. for reports of an injured cyclist.
Paramedics told Global News a woman was pronounced dead as she had no vital signs when they arrived.
Investigators said the woman was on a purple mountain bike. She is unidentified and officers are urging those who may have a family member, colleague or friend who hasn’t shown up to contact police.
Police said the motorist did not stay at the scene. In a later update, police said they located the vehicle involved — a blue 2018 Mazda 3 — a short distance away.
Investigators said the vehicle fled and collided with a mailbox or power box at a property before ending up abandoned at Goreway Drive and Derry Road.
However, the driver is still outstanding.
Police said based on the evidence found, investigators are confident they know who the driver is and are urging him to turn himself in.
The immediate area is closed for the investigation and police are asking motorists to use alternative routes.
Peel Police also said the province’s Special Investigations Unit, known as Ontario’s police watchdog, has invoked its mandate as there was an interaction between officers and the driver prior to the cyclist being struck.
The SIU said a Peel Regional Police officer found the Mazda parked in the area of Airport Road and Morning Star Drive at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.
“The officer spoke with the driver,” the SIU said. “When the officer went back to the cruiser to verify the information, the car fled the scene.”
The vehicle was then located just before 4 a.m. and at 4:30 a.m., the cyclist was found, the SIU said.
“She had been struck by the vehicle and was lying on the grass,” the SIU said.
The SIU is an independent agency that investigates the conduct of officers in incidents that have resulted in death, serious injury, or alleged sexual assault.